Apple market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh apples in Germany peaked in 2018 at 1 788 thousand tons, then declined to 1 542 thousand tons in 2019 before a partial recovery to 1 613 thousand tons in 2020. Over the following years, the physical market size continued to contract, reaching 1 384 thousand tons by 2023. In value terms, the market followed a similar downward path, falling from 1 826 million USD in 2018 to 1 097 million USD in 2023.

In 2022, the market volume stabilized at 1 553 thousand tons, but its value dropped to 1 160 million USD. This decline in market value was influenced by high production costs for labor, land, and maintenance, which pressured producer margins. Concurrently, growing demand for organic and sustainably produced apples helped sustain consumer interest, particularly within the premium segment.

By 2023, organic apples accounted for 36% of total apple sales in Germany, underscoring a persistent shift in consumer preferences toward health and sustainability. Global demand for fresh apples, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, also shaped market conditions, although local consumption volume continued to decrease.

Production apple in Germany

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Germany ranked 14th globally in apple production between 2017 and 2020.

Top producers of apple, 2017-2020

World map of production of apple, 2017-2020

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Production reached its lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a two-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Germany produced 1 023 K t of apples, marking a 3.2% increase compared to the previous year. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 1 199 K t. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 17.3%, while the largest increase was in 2018, surging by 100.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations over this period. The lowest value was recorded in 2017, followed by a peak in 2018, with a 2.4-fold gap between these years. In 2020, Germany's apple output was valued at 868 M $ US, representing a substantial 13.0% increase from 2019. The maximum value was achieved in 2018 at 1 168 M $ US. The most significant decline took place in 2019, falling by 34.2%, while the largest increase was in 2018, rising by 141.9%.

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

Exports apple from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Germany exported 65.7 K t of apples in 2020, reflecting a moderate contraction of 3.2% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 28.5%, equating to an annualized decline of 10.6%. The largest drop occurred in 2018, falling by 27.6%, while the biggest increase was in 2019, rising by 2.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's export structure for apples in volume terms was balanced rather than concentrated. Denmark accounted for 17.0% of exports, the Netherlands for 15.6%, and Austria for 10.5%, together representing 43.1% of total flows. Many other countries made up the remaining 56.9%.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, Germany's apple exports in value terms increased in 2020. The export volume amounted to 55.7 M $ US, corresponding to a moderate rise of 6.0% from 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, exports decreased by 25.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -9.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 52.6 M $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 18.9%.

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

During 2017–2020, Germany's apple exports in value terms were relatively evenly distributed. Denmark accounted for 19.7% of exports, Austria for 12.5%, and Finland for 12.3%, jointly representing 44.5% of total flows.

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

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

Imports apple to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year drop, Germany's apple imports in volume terms increased in 2020. Imports were recorded at 655.6 K t, up by 6.0% from the previous year. Over the period 2017-2020, imports decreased by 17%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -6.0%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 618.6 K t, while the largest decline occurred in 2018, falling by 17.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Poland, and the Netherlands played leading roles in Germany's apple imports in volume terms. Italy accounted for 36.0% of imports, Poland for 15.9%, and the Netherlands for 11.3%, together taking 63.2% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, foreign apple supplies to Germany amounted to 659.2 M $ US, constituting a sharp increase of 33.4% compared with 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, imports decreased by 3.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -1.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 494.3 M $ US, while the highest was in 2018 at 723.7 M $ US. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 31.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy, New Zealand, and Chile were the main sources for Germany's apple imports in value terms. Italy accounted for 41.2% of imports, New Zealand for 9.9%, and Chile for 9.9%, together absorbing 61.0% of total imports.

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

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