Apples, pears and quinces market in the United Kingdom

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market volume for apples, pears and quinces in the United Kingdom remained stable at around 1 075 to 1 092 thousand tonnes. A sharp contraction followed in 2021, bringing the market size down to 828 thousand tonnes.

The market recovered to 915 thousand tonnes in 2022, supported by consistently strong consumer demand with nearly 90% of UK buyers purchasing apples or pears. This period, however, marked the beginning of significant financial strain on growers as production costs surged by 23% while returns from supermarkets remained almost flat, leading to the cancellation of 150 000 new tree orders and threatening future orchard investment. In 2023, the market volume declined again to 807 thousand tonnes amid continuing cost pressures, with production expenses rising a further 6–9% against only a marginal 7% increase in grower returns. The UK-grown Pink Lady apple variety emerged as a significant new segment, becoming the second most popular supermarket apple after Gala during this time.

From 2024 onwards, major supermarket chains including Aldi, Sainsbury’s, Lidl and M&S increased their purchases of British apples and pears, indicating stronger retail support for domestic produce. By 2025, Sainsbury's was buying 33% of all British pears sold by growers affiliated with British Apples & Pears Limited, reinforcing the trend of closer ties between retailers and local suppliers.

Production apples, pears and quinces in the United Kingdom

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, the United Kingdom ranked 30th globally in the production volume of apples, pears, and quinces.

Top producers of apples, pears and quinces, 2018-2021

World map of production of apples, pears and quinces, 2018-2021

Following a two-year increase, the production of apples, pears, and quinces in the United Kingdom declined. In 2021, the country produced 411.7 thousand tonnes, marking a 37.3% drop from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 28.4%, which translates to an annualized decrease of 10.6%. The highest production level was recorded in 2020 at 656.6 thousand tonnes, while the largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2019 at 10.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021, K t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

The United Kingdom's production of apples, pears, and quinces declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the output was valued at 407.9 million US dollars, representing a significant 19.6% decrease from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, production value dropped by 37.7%, equating to an annualized decline of 14.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports apples, pears and quinces from the United Kingdom

Exports in kind, K t

In 2021, the United Kingdom exported 12.1 thousand tonnes of apples, pears, and quinces, which was a sharp 49.1% decrease compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports fell by 50.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -21.0%. The largest increase in exports was recorded in 2020 at 17.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Ireland remained the primary destination for exports in kind, accounting for 76.7% of total flows, while the remaining share was distributed across various other markets.

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

World map of product's exports from the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

Exports of apples, pears, and quinces from the United Kingdom declined for the third year in a row. In 2021, export value amounted to 11.9 million US dollars, reflecting a sharp 34.7% fall from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 57.2%, which corresponds to an annualized rate of -24.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

During 2018-2021, Ireland was the dominant market for exports in value terms, capturing 73.1% of total flows, with other countries collectively making up the remainder.

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

World map of product's exports from the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021

Imports apples, pears and quinces to the United Kingdom

Imports in kind, K t

In 2021, the United Kingdom imported 428.5 thousand tonnes of apples, pears, and quinces, showing a moderate 6.6% decrease from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports declined by 18.3%, equating to an annualized drop of 6.5%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 12.5%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2020 at 0.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Data from 2018 to 2021 indicate that imports in kind of apples, pears, and quinces to the United Kingdom were not heavily concentrated. France (18.6% of imports in kind), South Africa (18.1%), and the Netherlands (12.6%) together accounted for only 49.4% of total flows, suggesting a diverse sourcing pattern.

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

World map of product's imports to the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2021, the United Kingdom imported apples, pears, and quinces valued at 541.5 million US dollars, a 7.1% decrease from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports fell by 14.1%, with a CAGR of -4.9%. The largest decline was in 2019 at 13.3%, while the largest increase occurred in 2020 at 6.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, France (20.3% of imports in value terms), South Africa (18.0%), and the Netherlands (11.1%) were among the top suppliers of apples, pears, and quinces to the United Kingdom. However, even combined, they represented just 49.4% of total import value, highlighting a broadly diversified partner base.

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

World map of product's imports to the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021