Apples, pears and quinces market in Australia

Earlier Report Observations

The Australian market for apples, pears and quinces experienced notable shifts in volume from 2018 to 2023. After a contraction to 334.9 thousand tonnes in 2019, the market began to recover the following year, supported by strong consumer trends toward health-focused snacking and interest in food provenance. A substantial expansion occurred in 2021, with volume jumping to 395.7 thousand tonnes, a surge largely attributed to levy-funded marketing programs that successfully raised awareness and stimulated consumption. This growth trajectory continued into 2022, with the market reaching a peak of 421.6 thousand tonnes, sustained by persistent consumer demand for convenient, healthy fruit options.

The market volume then declined to 373.0 thousand tonnes in 2023. Throughout this period, industry initiatives played a key role in shaping the market environment. The industry maintained rigorous, independent chemical residue testing to ensure food safety and quality. Furthermore, the ongoing use of the PLU sticker system aided retail efficiency by minimizing packaging. Later years saw the launch of targeted projects like the Pear Maturity Project, aimed at improving fruit consistency and the consumer eating experience.

Production apples, pears and quinces in Australia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of apples, pears and quinces, 2018-2021

World map of production of apples, pears and quinces, 2018-2021

Australia's production of apples, pears, and quinces has grown for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 404.6 thousand tons, marking a solid 16.5% increase from 2020. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production rose by 8.7%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.8%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2019 at 345.5 thousand tons, with the largest decline of 7.1% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Australia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Following two years of decline, Australia's production value for apples, pears, and quinces rebounded. In 2021, the output was valued at 551.4 million US dollars, showing a substantial improvement of 23.6% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production value increased by 15.1%, averaging an annual growth rate of 4.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 446.0 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 6.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Australia in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports apples, pears and quinces from Australia

Exports in kind, t

After two years of contraction, Australia's exports of apples, pears, and quinces in volume terms increased. In 2021, exports reached 11 998 tons, indicating a significant rise of 12.0% from the year before. However, over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 25.6%, with an average annual decline of 9.4%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 10 716 tons, which also experienced the largest drop of 19.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Australia's export partner portfolio for apples, pears, and quinces in volume terms was quite broad. New Zealand accounted for 22.8% of exports, Indonesia for 12.0%, and Singapore for 11.3%. Together, these three countries represented only 46.2% of total export flows, highlighting a diversified market.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Australia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year drop, Australia's exports of apples, pears, and quinces in value terms increased. In 2021, exports amounted to 16 351 thousand US dollars, equivalent to a strong rise of 18.8% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 21.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -7.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 13 767 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 24.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, New Zealand was the largest buyer of apples, pears, and quinces from Australia in value terms, accounting for 18.0% of exports. Singapore and Canada followed, each with 12.1%. Even combined, these three countries represented just 42.1% of total export value, indicating a broadly diversified partner base.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Australia in value, 2018-2021

Imports apples, pears and quinces to Australia

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Australia's imports of apples, pears, and quinces in volume terms declined. In 2021, imports registered 3 052 tons, amounting to a fall of 28.9% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 28.2%, averaging an annual growth rate of 8.6%. The highest volume was recorded in 2020 at 4 295 tons, which also saw the largest increase of 60.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Australia in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, China was the dominant source for Australia's imports of apples, pears, and quinces in volume terms, absorbing 92.6% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Australia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Australia's imports of apples, pears, and quinces in value terms have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to approximately 7 170 thousand US dollars, equivalent to a gradual advance of 3.8% versus the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports rose by 76.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 20.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Australia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, China absorbed 86.9% of total import value for apples, pears, and quinces to Australia, with the remaining share spread across a wide range of smaller destinations.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Australia in value, 2018-2021