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Key figures
An area with strong demographic growth
One of the most marked features of the area is its impressive demographic growth. Indeed, over a period of 6 years, the population of the Hérault Valley has seen an increase of almost 18 % (39 % rise between 1990 and 2005!) increasing from 25,500 inhabitants in 1999 to over 30,000 inhabitants in 2005. This significant increase, more pronounced in the western than in the eastern part of the area, is related to the proximity of major roads (A75 and A750).
The population increase in the area is thus an important economic element to consider, namely in regard to opportunities for companies in the sector. Moreover various indicators predict that this trend will continue in the coming years, reaching a level of nearly 40,000 inhabitants in 2015.
Favourable dynamics
With an annual growth of 2.92 % in the number of companies (rate recorded between 1999 and 2002) now standing at almost 1,500 companies in the area, the Hérault Valley benefits from a higher level of dynamism than on the scale of the Department or the Heart of the Hérault. It should be noted that among these firms, there is a predominant number of small structures, with 82 % of companies in the area employing no more than 5 employees.
The economy of the area is nevertheless closely linked to demography, namely characterised by:
the strong presence of the construction sector,
a high representation of jobs in the fields of education, health and social welfare,
low representation in the production sectors.
The wine-producing sector: a strong component in employment and activity
The agricultural sector, historically linked to wine growing, remains very active in the area, both in terms of direct and indirect employment. Wine growing thus represents 58 % of the agricultural area in the Hérault Valley, or 9.5 % of the wine-producing area of the department.
Although the area given over to wine production has been decreasing over the years, the number of AOC vineyards is growing steadily (+ 22 % between 1988 and 2000) now representing 21 % of land under wine production (AOC Coteaux du Languedoc). In addition, almost two thirds of production is destined for Vins de Pays d’Oc.
On the scale of Pays Cœur d’Hérault (Heart of the Hérault)
Land in the Heart of the Hérault (20.8% of the total area of the Hérault), represented 28.5% of the agricultural area in the Hérault in 2000. This area concentrated 23.3% of agricultural undertakings in the Hérault in 2000.
Within the agricultural sector, when the distribution of farming is considered by type of crop, the weight of the Heart of the Hérault in the department as a whole exceeds 25% for 4 types of crop: the other permanent crops (37.7% of farming in the Hérault of this type of crop is situated in the Heart of the Hérault), fodder crops (36%), family gardens and orchards (30.2%), fallow (25.5%).
At the other extremity: 14.2% of farms in the department of the Hérault concerned with oil-producing crops are located in the Heart of the Hérault. This area also has a high production of table grapes, corresponding to 49 % of the departmental area.
A dynamic building sector
The massive arrival of new inhabitants has given a boost to the building sector, representing 53 % of small firms in the area, i.e. 310 building firms in 2005 (21 % of the total number of companies in the area).
In 2005, 638 artisans and or firms in the trade were listed in the Hérault Valley municipal Community, divided into the following activities:
12 % in the food industry
12 % in manufacturing
21 % in services
53 % in construction
These artisan firms represent a total of 773 salaried workers.
Tertiary activities in full swing
Whether services for private individuals, social action, health, trade, business services, transport or tourism, the whole tertiary economic network is also benefiting from the perspectives opened up by the increase in population in the Hérault Valley. To meet the expectations, both in terms of quality and quantity, of an ever-growing number of inhabitants, the tertiary offer is gradually adapting to the realities of the area, targeting a comprehensive range of peri-urban services.
