Apples, pears and quinces market in Belgium

Earlier Report Observations

The Belgian market for fresh apples, pears and quinces experienced significant volatility from 2018 to 2023. Domestic consumption dropped sharply from 402.5 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 228.6 thousand tonnes in 2019, then recovered to 269.1 thousand tonnes by 2021 before declining again in 2022 and rising to 258.7 thousand tonnes in 2023.

Production trends shifted notably from 2022 onward. Apple orchard area continued to decline, while pear plantings expanded, reflecting a move towards new varieties better suited to climate challenges. In 2023, Belgium became the EU's largest pear producer, reaching about 412 thousand tonnes, despite ongoing reduction in apple acreage. Difficult weather conditions, including drought and heat, adversely affected apple yields, contributing to lower output.

In 2024, apple and pear production fell substantially due to unfavorable spring weather and the spread of the oriental fruit fly. The European Union authorized the destruction of 25.7 thousand tonnes of fruit in response to the Russian embargo, removing part of the supply from the market. Pear exports compensated for the drop in apple exports, while apple prices rose by 25% because of low yields.

Production apples, pears and quinces in Belgium

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

Belgium's production of apples, pears, and quinces declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 560.6 thousand tonnes, marking a 2.4% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 43.2%, which translates to an average annual increase of 12.7%. The highest output was recorded in 2018 at 600.1 thousand tonnes. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, with a 4.3% decline, while the largest rise was in 2018, with a 53.3% increase.

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

Exports apples, pears and quinces from Belgium

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Belgium exported 460.5 thousand tonnes of apples, pears, and quinces, reflecting a gradual decline of 8.7% from 2019. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 398.9 thousand tonnes, and the highest was in 2019 at 504.2 thousand tonnes. The sharpest decrease happened in 2018, with a 15.0% drop, whereas the biggest increase was in 2019, with a 26.4% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, France, and Germany remained the top buyers of Belgian apples, pears, and quinces. The Netherlands accounted for 20.8% of exports in kind, France for 14.9%, and Germany for 14.8%. Together, these three countries made up 50.4% of Belgium's total exports in this category.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of decline, Belgium's exports of apples, pears, and quinces in value terms rebounded in 2020. Exports reached 389.5 million US dollars, showing a sharp increase of 31.2% year-over-year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 296.8 million US dollars. The most notable decrease occurred in 2018, with a 13.8% drop.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Belgium's export market in value terms was diverse. France, the Netherlands, and Germany were key partners, with France contributing 16.0% of exports in value, the Netherlands 15.8%, and Germany 14.1%. Combined, they represented 45.9% of total flows, while the remaining 54.1% went to numerous other countries.

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

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

Imports apples, pears and quinces to Belgium

Imports in kind, K t

Following a two-year reduction, Belgium's imports of apples, pears, and quinces saw a slight uptick in 2020. Imports stood at 159.4 thousand tonnes, remaining nearly unchanged from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 22.1%, averaging an annual decrease of 8.0%. The lowest import volume was in 2019 at 158.5 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline also occurring that year at 21.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, France, and New Zealand continued to be the leading suppliers of apples, pears, and quinces to Belgium. The Netherlands provided 47.9% of imports in kind, France 19.9%, and New Zealand 12.8%. Together, these three countries accounted for 80.6% of Belgium's total imports in this category.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Belgium's imports of apples, pears, and quinces in value terms reached 149.7 million US dollars, up by 27.9% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 19.1%, with an average annual decline of 6.8%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 117.0 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2018 at 198.9 million US dollars. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, with a 41.2% decrease.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and France dominated Belgium's imports of apples, pears, and quinces in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 36.9% of imports in value, New Zealand for 23.3%, and France for 20.3%. Collectively, these three countries made up 80.5% of total imports, solidifying their position as the main sources for Belgium.

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

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