French consumers are unlikely to be discouraged from buying smoked salmon this holiday season, despite higher prices and less expendable income.

Smoked salmon has long been a favorite at festive family gatherings in France, never more so than when the year draws to a close.

Although prices have risen around 10 percent, neither the public that buys on impulse nor distributers who made orders in the summer are likely to halt purchases, said Jacques Trottier, managing director of Labeyrie Fine Foods, the country's largest brand of smoked salmon to retail.