Apples, pears and quinces market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The Italian market for fresh apples, pears and quinces began the period at 2.5 million metric tons in 2018, a year that saw the enforcement of new national sanctions for food labeling violations and clearer rules for allergen information. More stringent EU origin-labeling requirements for fresh fruit took full effect in 2019, a period which coincided with the market volume contracting to 1.8 million metric tons. The trend reversed sharply in 2020 when COVID-19 lockdowns increased consumer demand for long-lasting fruits like apples, driving market volume up to 2.2 million metric tons.

From 2021, the sector contended with the transitional application of the EU's new Common Agricultural Policy, which introduced production quotas, and a continued shortage of seasonal harvest labour. These combined pressures reduced the market to 1.7 million metric tons in 2021. The following year, the implementation of the EU organic production regulation and a dedicated Italian labeling code for organic fruit provided a stimulus, helping lift volume to 2.0 million metric tons. In 2023, however, the market declined to 1.8 million metric tons, a period marked by proposed new EU marketing rules for cider and updated, more detailed origin-labeling guidelines for fresh apples and pears, which added new compliance considerations for operators.

Production apples, pears and quinces in Italy

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

On a global scale, Italy ranked as the 5th largest producer of apples, pears, and quinces during the period from 2017 to 2020.

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

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

In 2020, Italy produced 3 082 thousand tons of apples, pears, and quinces, marking a significant increase of 12.8% compared to the previous year. Over the four-year span from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 14.4%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 4.6%. The highest production level was achieved in 2018, reaching 3 220 thousand tons. In 2019, production experienced its largest decline, dropping by 15.1%, while the most substantial increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 19.5%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the output of apples, pears, and quinces in Italy was valued at 3 293 million US dollars, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 28.1%. From 2017 to 2020, the value of production rose by 23.6%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of 7.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 2 571 million US dollars, whereas the peak occurred in 2018 at 3 886 million US dollars. The most significant decline took place in 2019, with a drop of 33.8%, while the largest increase was observed in 2018, with a surge of 45.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Italy in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports apples, pears and quinces from Italy

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Italy exported 1 031 thousand tons of apples, pears, and quinces, showing a slight decrease of 1.3% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports declined by 12.1%, equating to an annualized reduction of 4.2%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 844 thousand tons. That year also saw the largest decline, with a drop of 28.1%. In contrast, the most significant increase occurred in 2019, with exports rising by 23.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Spain, and Egypt were the largest buyers of apples, pears, and quinces from Italy in terms of volume, accounting for 30.6%, 7.1%, and 7.0% of exports, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 44.7% of Italy's total exports in kind, indicating a market structure with a broad range of smaller trading partners alongside these key destinations.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After two consecutive years of decline, the value of apples, pears, and quinces exported from Italy rebounded in 2020. Exports amounted to 1 102 million US dollars, reflecting a strong increase of 12.1% from the previous year. However, over the period from 2017 to 2020, export values decreased by 5%, which corresponds to an annualized decline of 1.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 983 million US dollars, with the largest decline occurring in 2018, when exports fell by 12.2%.

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

During 2017–2020, Germany, Spain, and Saudi Arabia formed the largest group of buyers in value terms for Italian apples, pears, and quinces, contributing 34.0%, 6.8%, and 5.0% of total export value, respectively. Their combined share was 45.7%, highlighting a diversified export structure with numerous other countries playing significant roles in Italy's trade flows.

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

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

Imports apples, pears and quinces to Italy

Imports in kind, K t

Italy's imports of apples, pears, and quinces declined for the second year in a row in 2020. Imports totaled 128 thousand tons, which is 7.2% lower than in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 8.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.0%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 146 thousand tons, and the largest increase occurred that same year, with a rise of 3.8%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Spain, Argentina, and Chile were the primary sources for Italy's imports of apples, pears, and quinces in terms of volume, accounting for 21.7%, 16.4%, and 12.7% of imports, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 50.8% of Italy's total import flows in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Italy's imports of apples, pears, and quinces in value terms stood at 156 million US dollars, representing a 27.2% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, import values grew by 15.2%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of 4.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 123 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline, with a drop of 13.4%.

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

Over 2017–2020, Argentina, Chile, and Spain emerged as the main markets for Italy's imports in value terms, contributing 21.8%, 19.7%, and 19.4% of total import value, respectively. Together, these three countries accounted for 60.9% of Italy's total import flows in value terms.

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

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