Apple market in Uruguay

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh apples in Uruguay declined from 45 049 tonnes in 2018 to 36 600 tonnes in 2020. It then rebounded sharply to 44 078 tonnes in 2021, supported by an increased supply of early varieties such as Gala, Condesa, and the locally developed Yvyrá, alongside the expansion of the Fresh Market retail chain which improved fruit accessibility and stimulated consumption.

Market volume stabilized at around 44 331 tonnes in 2022, as the temporary closure of the traditional Mercado de la Abundancia in Montevideo was offset by Fresh Market's continued growth focusing on premium and healthy products. In 2023, the market grew further to 48 528 tonnes, driven by the commercialization of the Yvyrá apple variety, which is cultivated by Uruguayan producers and adapted to local climatic conditions.

Production apple in Uruguay

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of apple, 2017-2020

World map of production of apple, 2017-2020

Uruguay's apple production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 37 039 tonnes of apples, marking a significant contraction of 12.5% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 21.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -7.8%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 48 000 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 1.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Uruguay in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Apple production in Uruguay declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output of apples was valued at 26 509 thousand US dollars, which is 9.8% lower than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 22.7%, equating to an annualized rate of -8.2%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 34 535 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 0.8%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 14.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Uruguay in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports apple from Uruguay

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2017, with a top-to-bottom ratio of 8.2 times. In 2020, Uruguay's apple export volume amounted to 775 tonnes, reflecting a sharp decrease of 77.6% compared to 2019. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 8.7%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, France (37.2% of exports in kind), Italy (20.5% of exports in kind), and Russia (11.6% of exports in kind) remained the main markets for Uruguay's apple exports in kind, jointly accounting for 69.3% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. The lowest exports in value terms were recorded in 2020, while the highest was reached in 2017, reflecting an 8.3-fold gap. In 2020, apple shipments from Uruguay abroad reached 554 thousand US dollars, reflecting a decrease of 76.9% compared to 2019. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 4.9%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, France (37.5% of exports in value terms), Italy (23.6% of exports in value terms), and Brazil (12.3% of exports in value terms) remained the main markets for Uruguay's apple exports in value terms, jointly accounting for 73.4% of total flows.

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

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

Imports apple to Uruguay

Imports in kind, t

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. The lowest imports in kind were observed in 2019, with the highest in 2020, reflecting a 4.3-fold gap. In 2020, Uruguay's apple imports came to 336 tonnes, reflecting a sharp gain of 333.7% year-over-year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 77 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 66.9%.

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

In 2017–2020, France (45.0% of imports in kind), Italy (33.6% of imports in kind), and Spain (10.7% of imports in kind) continued to be the main suppliers of apples to Uruguay, jointly forming 89.3% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during the period. The span from 2019 to 2020 exhibited a peak-to-trough amplitude of 4 times, with the lowest value in 2019 and the highest in 2020. In 2020, foreign apple supplies to Uruguay amounted to 400 thousand US dollars, indicating a sharp rise of 305.0% compared with 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 99 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 63.5%.

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

In 2017–2020, two markets—France and Italy—played the leading roles in imports in value terms, together taking 80.3% of total flows, while the rest was distributed among other destinations.

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

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