Apple market in Austria

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the Austrian apple market reached 442 thousand tonnes, driven by very large European production following late frosts in previous years, which led to ample supply and falling prices. However, the market volume sharply contracted to 235 thousand tonnes in 2019 after the harvest in Styria, the main growing region, fell to about two-thirds of a normal yield, significantly reducing domestic supply.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 altered consumption habits, boosting demand for durable and regional foods including apples, which lifted the market volume to 291 thousand tonnes. The market then experienced fluctuations, declining to 220 thousand tonnes in 2021, while consumer demand steadily shifted toward organically and sustainably produced apples, supported by stringent food safety and labeling standards.

By 2022, the market recovered to 288 thousand tonnes, partly due to shortages of pressing apples and apple concentrate for the juice industry, which drove up prices and likely redirected more apples to the fresh market. In 2023, the market volume moderated to 251 thousand tonnes even as production remained stable and demand for organic apples continued to grow, aided by technological innovations in storage that ensure nearly year-round availability.

Production apple in Austria

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of apple, 2017-2020

World map of production of apple, 2017-2020

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. The lowest {context} {volume} was recorded in 2017, while the highest occurred in 2018, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 2.1 times. In 2020, Austria produced 258.2 K t of apples, representing a modest 7.9% increase compared to 2019. The maximum production value was reached in 2018 at 388.0 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 38.3% drop, while the largest increase was in 2018 with a 109.4% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Austria in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports apple from Austria

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, Austria's apple exports declined. In 2020, exports totaled 63.4 K t, marking a 36.9% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 8.2%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 2.7%. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2019 at 100.5 K t, with the largest increase that year at 62.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Austria in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Germany (35.9% of exports in kind), Italy (8.4%), and Slovenia (8.1%) were the main destinations for Austrian apple exports, collectively accounting for 52.5% of total export volume.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed volatility over the observed period. Exports varied by a factor of 1.8, from a low in 2017 to a high in 2018. In 2020, Austria's apple exports totaled 59 599 K $ US, down 3.6% from 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 66 099 K $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 6.5% drop, while the largest increase was in 2018 with an 80.0% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Austria in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Germany (32.8% of exports in value terms), Spain (9.4%), and Slovenia (7.8%) were the principal destinations for Austrian apple exports by value, jointly accounting for 50.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports apple to Austria

Imports in kind, K t

Austria's apple imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled approximately 96.0 K t, a 0.7% decrease from 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, imports decreased by 5.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -2.0%. The maximum import volume was recorded in 2018 at 115.7 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 16.4% drop, while the largest increase was in 2018 with a 13.4% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Austria in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Italy (34.1% of imports in kind), Hungary (14.6%), and Czechia (13.8%) contributed the most to Austria's apple imports by volume, collectively accounting for 62.5% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of decline, Austria's apple imports increased. In 2020, imports totaled 41 935 K $ US, reflecting a 27.6% rise compared to 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, imports decreased by 31%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -11.6%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 32 858 K $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 35.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Austria in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Italy (45.5% of imports in value terms), Germany (17.1%), and Hungary (8.3%) remained the main sources for Austria's apple imports by value, jointly accounting for 70.9% of total import flows.

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

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