Apple juice market in Southern Europe

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the unfermented apple juice market in Southern Europe expanded from 157.7 million liters to 163.9 million liters. This growth was underpinned by established pasteurization techniques that ensured product safety and shelf life, enabling large-scale distribution. European regulations, including Directive 2001/112/CE, standardized juice production, while the Alto Adige region strengthened its position as a leading supplier of organic apples to processors like VOG Products, which significantly increased its organic apple processing.

Market volume fell sharply to 102.8 million liters in 2020, even as the organic juice segment broadened beyond a niche and food safety certifications such as ISO 22000 became more widespread. A recovery to 158.9 million liters occurred in 2021, driven by the launch of new 100% apple juice lines without additives, like the Cento per Cento range from Consorzio Ortofrutticolo di Belfiore, which responded to demand for natural and high-quality products. In 2022, drought and adverse climatic conditions affected apple yields and juice production, contributing to a market decline to 145.2 million liters; processors also adopted anti-waste strategies by using apple pomace to create new products.

The market contracted significantly again in 2023, falling to 56.6 million liters. During this period, companies invested in process technologies and sustainable practices to align with consumer preferences for natural, low-sugar, and additive-free juices. Trends for 2024 continue to emphasize organic and natural juices, with a focus on sustainability, transparent labeling, and responsible sourcing, alongside ongoing adherence to EU and Italian quality and safety regulations.

Production apple juice in Southern Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, M l

Top producers of apple juice, 2017-2020

World map of production of apple juice, 2017-2020

Apple juice production in Southern Europe declined after two years of growth. In 2019, output reached its peak at 289.8 million liters, but then fell sharply by 17.1% to 240.3 million liters in 2020. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 5%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.6%. The largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018, when production jumped by 23.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Southern Europe in kind, 2017-2020, M l

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Apple juice production in Southern Europe declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the value of apple juice output was 197.5 million US dollars, down 11.3% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value increased by 3.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 259.0 million US dollars, which saw a 35.9% increase. However, in 2019, production value fell by 14.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Southern Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports apple juice from Southern Europe

Exports in kind, M l

Southern Europe's apple juice exports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 194.3 million liters, which is 1.7% less than in 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 5.1%, with an average annual decline of 1.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Southern Europe in kind, 2017-2020, M l

From 2017 to 2020, France, Germany, and Belgium were the main markets for Southern Europe's apple juice exports in volume terms. France accounted for 24.7% of exports, Germany for 18.8%, and Belgium for 8.6%. Together, these three countries represented 52.1% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Southern Europe in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Southern Europe exported 159.7 million US dollars worth of apple juice, marking a 5.1% increase compared to 2019. However, over the 2017-2020 period, export value decreased by 6.3%, with an average annual decline of 2.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 152.0 million US dollars, which saw a 17.2% drop. The highest value occurred in 2018 at 183.5 million US dollars, with a 7.7% increase that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Southern Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The partner structure for Southern Europe's apple juice exports in value terms was fragmented from 2017 to 2020. Germany accounted for 20.0% of export value, France for 18.5%, and the United States for 10.1%. Together, these three countries represented 48.6% of total flows, with no single country holding a dominant share.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Southern Europe in value, 2017-2020

Imports apple juice to Southern Europe

Imports in kind, M l

Apple juice imports into Southern Europe declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume totaled 56.7 million liters, down 20.9% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 14.6%, equating to an average annual decline of 5.1%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 75.7 million liters, which saw a 13.9% increase that year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Southern Europe in kind, 2017-2020, M l

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Austria, and Poland were the largest suppliers of apple juice to Southern Europe in volume terms, though none held a dominant position. Germany accounted for 22.1% of imports, Austria for 12.4%, and Poland for 9.2%. Together, these three countries represented 43.6% of total import volume, with many smaller partners making up the remainder.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Southern Europe in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Apple juice imports into Southern Europe declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 66.8 million US dollars, corresponding to a 15.7% year-on-year decrease. Between 2017 and 2020, import value decreased by 3.1%, equating to an average annual decline of 1.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 92.5 million US dollars, which saw a 34.2% increase that year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Southern Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of apple juice imports into Southern Europe in value terms was highly diversified. Germany accounted for 18.0% of import value, Austria for 11.9%, and Turkey for 11.7%. Together, these three countries represented 41.6% of total flows, with a long tail of smaller markets forming the remaining 58.4%.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Southern Europe in value, 2017-2020