Apples, pears and quinces market in Australia and New Zealand

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh apples, pears and quinces in Australia and New Zealand expanded from 489 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 678 thousand tonnes in 2022. This growth was primarily driven by positive consumer trends, including increased snacking, demand for health and wellness, and interest in food provenance, which boosted domestic consumption. The introduction of the PLU sticker system helped maintain retail range and minimize packaging, aligning with consumer aversion to waste.

By 2023, the market volume stabilized at 670 thousand tonnes. Weather volatility, particularly La Nina events from 2019 to 2022, periodically affected apple and pear yields, introducing production variability. However, the industry continued to leverage consumer insights through platforms like Hort IQ, and tracking data showed apples remained top of mind for shoppers, supporting market resilience even as exports fluctuated.

In value terms, the market rose consistently from $699 million in 2018 to $1.2 billion in 2023. This increase reflected consumer perception of apples and pears as worth their price despite cost-of-living pressures, with the Australian apple industry valued at $647 million and pears at $126 million in the 2022-23 season.

Production apples, pears and quinces in Australia and New Zealand

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

Production of apples, pears, and quinces in Australia and New Zealand has grown for the third year in a row. In 2021, output reached 997.9 thousand tonnes, marking a 7.1% increase from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production rose by 14.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.6%.

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

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

The value of apple, pear, and quince production in Australia and New Zealand has also increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, production was valued at 1 650 million US dollars, a significant 20.9% rise compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, the value grew by 32.3%, translating to an annualized rate of 9.8%.

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

Exports apples, pears and quinces from Australia and New Zealand

Exports in kind, K t

Following two years of growth, exports of apples, pears, and quinces from Australia and New Zealand declined in 2021. Exports stood at 369.8 thousand tonnes, a substantial 10.6% drop from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 5.3%, with an average annual decline of 1.8%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 413.6 thousand tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 4.6%.

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

The structure of exports in volume terms from 2018 to 2021 shows a diversified set of trading partners. The United Kingdom accounted for 10.2% of exports, China for 9.0%, and the United States for 8.3%, together making up just 27.5% of total flows. The remaining 72.5% was distributed among numerous smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Cross-border shipments of apples, pears, and quinces from Australia and New Zealand have increased in value for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports were valued at 611.5 million US dollars, a slight 0.9% advance from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, export value grew by 9.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia and New Zealand in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

The country composition of exports in value terms from 2018 to 2021 was dispersed. China represented 13.3% of export value, Vietnam 8.8%, and the United States 8.1%, together forming only 30.1% of total flows. The remaining 69.9% was split among a wide range of other destinations.

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

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

Imports apples, pears and quinces to Australia and New Zealand

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of gains, the volume of apple, pear, and quince imports into Australia and New Zealand declined in 2021. Imports totaled 7.8 thousand tonnes, down 17.0% year-over-year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports increased by 17.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.4%. The peak import volume was in 2020 at 9.4 thousand tonnes, with the largest increase also occurring in 2020 at 19.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, China, the United States, and South Korea consistently remained the main sources for imports in volume terms. China accounted for 46.7% of imports, the United States for 9.2%, and South Korea for 3.5%, together making up 59.4% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The value of apple, pear, and quince imports into Australia and New Zealand has risen for the third consecutive year. In 2021, import value totaled 13.6 million US dollars, a modest 1.0% increase year-over-year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, import value surged by 48.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 14.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Australia and New Zealand in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, China, the United States, and South Korea led as the top suppliers of apples, pears, and quinces to Australia and New Zealand in value terms. China accounted for 48.8% of import value, the United States for 10.2%, and South Korea for 7.4%, with their combined share reaching 66.4% of total imports.

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

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