Apples, pears and quinces market in Austria

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh apples, pears and quinces in Austria experienced significant volatility from 2018 to 2023. After reaching 575.6 thousand tons in 2018, the market volume dropped sharply to 293.9 thousand tons in 2019. This decline was largely driven by the ongoing reduction in total fruit-growing area and the loss of farms in the sector, a trend linked to the climate crisis, pest pressures, and economic challenges for fruit growers. A recovery to 382.1 thousand tons followed in 2020, supported by strong consumer demand for organic apples and a sustained preference for regional and seasonal produce, which bolstered domestic consumption.

Market volume fell again to 276.5 thousand tons in 2021. It then rebounded to 345.3 thousand tons in 2022, a growth partly attributable to a 46.6% surge in apple juice sales within Austria, which increased demand for apples for processing. The market contracted once more to 305.5 thousand tons in 2023 due to a severe apple harvest shortfall, primarily caused by frost damage and unfavorable weather conditions in key growing regions like Styria.

Production apples, pears and quinces in Austria

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of apples, pears and quinces, 2017-2020

World map of production of apples, pears and quinces, 2017-2020

The market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. From 2017 to 2018, the peak-to-trough amplitude reached 2.2 times. In 2020, Austria produced 329.1 K t of apples, pears and quinces, marking a 21.0% increase compared to the previous year. The highest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 499.3 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 45.5% drop, while the largest increase was in 2018 with a 115.8% rise.

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

Exports apples, pears and quinces from Austria

Exports in kind, K t

Following a two-year rise, Austria's exports of apples, pears and quinces declined. In 2020, exports totaled 65.1 K t, down 36.5% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 8.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.6%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2019 at 102.5 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 61.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets — Germany, Slovenia, and Italy — together accounted for 53.1% of Austria's total exports of apples, pears and quinces in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility during these years. The highest export value was noted in 2018, while the lowest was in 2017, reflecting a 1.8-fold difference. In 2020, Austria's exports of apples, pears and quinces reached 62 234 K $ US, showing a moderate decrease of 3.3% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 68 986 K $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 6.7% drop, while the largest increase was in 2018 with a 76.1% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany (32.3% of exports in value terms), Slovenia (9.6%), and Spain (9.0%) led the export structure, together representing 50.9% of total flows.

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

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

Imports apples, pears and quinces to Austria

Imports in kind, K t

Austria's imports of apples, pears and quinces declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume reached 118.1 K t, down 5.1% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 4.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%. The peak import volume was recorded in 2018 at 140.0 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with an 11.1% drop, while the largest increase was in 2018 with a 13.0% rise.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Italy (33.9% of imports in volume terms), Hungary (11.9%), and Germany (11.4%) played leading roles in Austria's imports of apples, pears and quinces, jointly accounting for 57.2% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decline, Austria's imports of apples, pears and quinces increased in value. In 2020, imports totaled 65 993 K $ US, representing a robust advance of 15.1% relative to the prior year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 24.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.8%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 57 315 K $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 27.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three principal markets — Italy, Germany, and South Africa — together accounted for 62.6% of Austria's total imports of apples, pears and quinces in value terms.

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

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