Apple market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The Italian fresh apple market opened the period at 1.9 million tons in 2018, under a new regulatory framework for allergen labeling and marketing standards that aimed to improve quality transparency. A significant contraction followed in 2019, with volume dropping to 1.4 million tons, driven by fragmented domestic production and intense competition from Spanish and other Mediterranean suppliers, which eroded market share and consumption.

The market rebounded to 1.6 million tons in 2020 despite the COVID-19 pandemic's disruption to supply chains and rising energy costs. However, a renewed decline occurred in 2021, pulling volume down to 1.3 million tons amid a broader reported slump in fruit and vegetable consumption across Italy. By 2022 and 2023, the market stabilized and grew modestly to 1.4 million tons, supported by the expanding share of discount retailers and pre-packaged apple offerings, coupled with increasing consumer preference for organic and sustainably produced fruit.

Production apple in Italy

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Italy ranked sixth globally in apple production.

Top producers of apple, 2017-2020

World map of production of apple, 2017-2020

In 2020, Italy produced 2 462 thousand tonnes of apples, marking a 6.9% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 28.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.6%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 2 467 thousand tonnes, which saw the largest annual increase of 28.4%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the most significant decline, with production dropping by 6.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of apple production in Italy reached 2 529 million US dollars, reflecting a robust year-over-year gain of 23.5%. Between 2017 and 2020, the production value increased by 40%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 11.9%. The peak value occurred in 2018 at 2 924 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 61.9%. The most substantial decline was recorded in 2019, with a decrease of 29.9%.

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

Exports apple from Italy

Exports in kind, K t

Apple exports from Italy rose for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 938 thousand tonnes, showing little change from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 9.2%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 3.2%. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 686 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest annual drop of 33.6%. Conversely, 2019 saw the biggest increase, with exports growing by 36.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Egypt, and Spain were among the top buyers of Italian apples, accounting for 29.1%, 8.0%, and 7.8% of exports in volume, respectively. However, even combined, these three countries represented just 44.9% of total exports, indicating a highly diversified partner base.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Cross-border shipments of apples from Italy increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export value stood at 963.6 million US dollars, representing a substantial 15.9% rise compared to the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 813.2 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual decline of 16.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy's apple export market in value terms was broadly diversified. Germany, Spain, and Saudi Arabia were key buyers, contributing 31.5%, 7.9%, and 5.9% of export value, respectively. Together, they accounted for only 45.3% of total exports, with many other countries holding smaller but notable shares.

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

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

Imports apple to Italy

Imports in kind, K t

Apple import volumes into Italy fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, Italy imported approximately 38 thousand tonnes of apples, down 13.3% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 32.1%, equating to an average annual decline of 12.1%. The highest import volume was in 2018 at 81 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 44.3%. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, with imports falling by 45.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy's apple imports in volume terms relied on a diverse range of partner countries. France, Spain, and Austria were the top sources, accounting for 18.4%, 12.1%, and 9.5% of imports, respectively. Together, they made up just 39.9% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The import market showed volatility during the observed period. In 2020, the value of apple imports into Italy reached 35.2 million US dollars, corresponding to a steep 39.2% increase compared to 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 25.3 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest annual decline of 56.1%. The peak value occurred in 2018 at 57.6 million US dollars, reflecting the highest annual increase of 54.8%. This resulted in a 2.3-fold gap between the highest and lowest values over the period.

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

The partner structure for apple imports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 remained fragmented. Spain, France, and Chile were the leading sources, contributing 16.0%, 15.4%, and 14.6% of import value, respectively. Together, they accounted for only 46.0% of total flows, with no single country holding a dominant share.

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

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