Apples, pears and quinces market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the market volume for fresh apples, pears and quinces in Hungary reached 684.5 thousand tons. The Russian embargo on agricultural products meant that significant volumes previously exported to Russia remained on the domestic market, creating increased supply and shaping demand conditions during the 2017/2018 season.

Market volume then experienced fluctuations, declining to 540.2 thousand tons in 2019 and further to 437.6 thousand tons in 2020, trends which aligned with a contraction in domestic production. A recovery followed in 2021, pushing the volume to 555.9 thousand tons, before another drop to 430.3 thousand tons in 2022. By 2023, the market volume had risen again to 512.2 thousand tons, reflecting the inherent volatility linked to annual harvest outcomes.

By 2025, new market developments included the growing popularity of 'pick-your-own' activities in local orchards, which facilitated direct consumer access to fresh fruit. Concurrently, the launch of a premium dessert wine made from local apples, pears, and quinces signaled a diversification in product offerings within the category.

Production apples, pears and quinces in Hungary

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

Hungary's production of apples, pears, and quinces increased in 2021, following a two-year decline. That year, the country produced 536.2 thousand tons, marking a sharp 28.0% increase compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production decreased by 23.9%, with an annualized decline rate of 8.7%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2020 at 419.0 thousand tons, while the largest year-over-year decline occurred in 2019 at 26.1%.

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

Exports apples, pears and quinces from Hungary

Exports in kind, t

Hungary's exports of apples, pears, and quinces declined for the third consecutive year in 2021. Export volumes reached 14 395 tons, representing a modest 1.8% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports fell by 56.2%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 24.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Austria, Slovakia, and Germany were the principal destinations for Hungary's exports of apples, pears, and quinces. Austria accounted for 34.8% of export volumes, Slovakia for 25.0%, and Germany for 12.6%. Together, these three countries represented 72.4% of Hungary's total export flows during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Hungary's export value of apples, pears, and quinces declined for the third consecutive year in 2021. Export revenues reached 7 222 thousand US dollars, which was 4.5% lower than the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, export values decreased by 36.2%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 13.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany remained the main buyers of Hungarian apples, pears, and quinces in value terms. Slovakia accounted for 44.6% of export value, Austria for 15.4%, and Germany for 10.7%. Collectively, these three markets represented 70.6% of Hungary's total export value during this period.

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

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

Imports apples, pears and quinces to Hungary

Imports in kind, t

Hungary's import volumes of apples, pears, and quinces showed noticeable fluctuations between 2018 and 2021. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018, while the highest occurred in 2019, creating a 3.7-fold difference between these two years. In 2021, imports stood at 34 028 tons, representing a slight 2.4% increase compared to 2020. The peak volume of 46 354 tons was reached in 2019. The largest year-over-year decline occurred in 2020 at 28.3%, while the most significant increase was recorded in 2019 at 266.2%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Serbia, Poland, and Romania were the main sources of Hungary's imports of apples, pears, and quinces. Serbia accounted for 36.6% of import volumes, Poland for 17.4%, and Romania for 8.1%. Together, these three countries supplied 62.1% of Hungary's total import volumes during this period.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Hungary's import value of apples, pears, and quinces increased for the third consecutive year in 2021. Import expenditures reached 21 819 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 6.7% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, import values grew by 127.2%, with an annualized growth rate of 31.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands were the three main sources of Hungary's imports of apples, pears, and quinces in value terms. Together, these countries accounted for 50.6% of Hungary's total import value during this period.

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

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