Apples, pears and quinces market in Luxembourg

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the market volume for fresh apples, pears and quinces in Luxembourg declined from 9 425 t to 7 707 t, while domestic production more than halved. The 2018 launch of Ramborn Cider Co. introduced a craft producer focused on reviving traditional orchards and using fallen fruit and heritage varieties for cider and juice, supporting a niche processing segment. By 2021, Ramborn's commercialization of a 100% Luxembourg cider with international recognition helped sustain demand for local fruit in value-added products, though it did not reverse the overall downtrend in fresh fruit output.

Market volume began to recover from 2022 onward, reaching 8 157 t in 2023. This turnaround coincided with the expansion of the 'Schouluebstprogramm' school fruit distribution scheme, which increased direct purchases of local apples and pears for pupils. Concurrently, anti-waste initiatives like the 'Gielt Band' project encouraged fruit foraging and reduced spoilage, putting more produce into consumption. Supportive events such as the 20th Old Fruit Fair in 2022 promoted heritage varieties, while Ramborn's development of new products like non-alcoholic sparkling apple drinks and the operation of a mobile pressing service further stimulated local fruit utilization.

Production apples, pears and quinces in Luxembourg

In kind, 2017-2020, t

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

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

The market exhibited significant volatility during this period. Production reached its lowest point in 2017, then peaked in 2018 with a two-fold increase. In 2020, Luxembourg produced 1 650 tonnes of apples, pears, and quinces, marking a sharp decline of 23.6% from the previous year. The highest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 2 380 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 98.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Luxembourg in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports apples, pears and quinces from Luxembourg

Exports in kind, t

Luxembourg's exports of apples, pears, and quinces grew for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 798 tonnes, representing a year-on-year increase of 6.3%. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports rose by 69.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 19.1%. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 456 tonnes, which also experienced the smallest decline of 3.3%. The most substantial growth occurred in 2019, with a 64.6% increase.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Germany, and Belgium were the primary destinations for Luxembourg's exports of apples, pears, and quinces. France accounted for 46.8% of exports in volume, Germany for 31.3%, and Belgium for 21.8%. Together, these three markets represented 99.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Luxembourg's export value of apples, pears, and quinces increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 1 369 thousand US dollars, up 23.3% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value grew by 95.6%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 25.1%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, France, Germany, and Belgium remained the key buyers of Luxembourg's apples, pears, and quinces in value terms. France contributed 48.6% of export value, Germany 25.8%, and Belgium 25.4%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 99.7% of total export value.

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

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

Imports apples, pears and quinces to Luxembourg

Imports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, Luxembourg's imports of apples, pears, and quinces declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 7 608 tonnes, a decrease of 4.9% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 span, imports increased by 5.3%, with an annualized growth rate of 1.7%. The peak import volume was in 2019 at 8 001 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 6.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, France, and Portugal were the leading suppliers of apples, pears, and quinces to Luxembourg. Belgium provided 50.6% of imports in volume, France 22.8%, and Portugal 5.6%. Together, these three sources made up 79.1% of total import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Luxembourg's imports of apples, pears, and quinces in value terms reached 12 974 thousand US dollars, rising 9.1% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value increased by 20.8%, corresponding to an annualized rate of 6.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 13 178 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 22.7%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 9.8%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Belgium, France, and Italy were the major contributors to Luxembourg's import value of apples, pears, and quinces. Belgium accounted for 44.8% of import value, France for 26.3%, and Italy for 4.6%. Combined, these three countries represented 75.7% of total import flows.

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

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