Apricots market in Southern Europe

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the apricot market volume in Southern Europe experienced notable fluctuations. An initial rise to 447.2 thousand tonnes in 2019 aligned with a period of moderate global market expansion. This growth was followed by a sharp contraction over the next two years, with the market falling to 299.8 thousand tonnes by 2021. This decline was primarily driven by a series of adverse weather events, including late frosts and droughts, which damaged production across key growing regions such as Spain and Italy.

A recovery to 371.7 thousand tonnes occurred in 2022, supported by resilient consumer demand for high-quality and organic apricots, alongside intensified digital promotion campaigns. By 2023, the market stabilized at 364.5 thousand tonnes. Although unfavorable weather continued to constrain supply, the implementation of new, more stable and self-fertile fruit varieties helped mitigate production losses.

Throughout the period, Spain maintained its position as the world's leading exporter of fresh apricots, ensuring stable trade flows for the region. The market was further shaped by a sustained consumer shift towards healthy eating and premium, minimally processed products, which supported demand even during periods of supply pressure.

Production apricots in Southern Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of apricots, 2017-2020

World map of production of apricots, 2017-2020

In 2019, apricot production in Southern Europe reached its highest point in recent years, but then declined significantly. By 2020, production had fallen to 472.1 thousand tons, representing a 20.7% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 21.4%, which translates to an average annual decline of 7.7%. The most notable increase occurred in 2019, when production rose by 7.7%.

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

Exports apricots from Southern Europe

Exports in kind, K t

In 2019, Southern Europe exported 167.8 thousand tons of apricots, marking the highest volume during the 2017-2020 period. However, by 2020, exports had dropped to 132.5 thousand tons, a decrease of 21.1% from the previous year. Over the entire four-year span, exports declined by 11.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.1%. The largest year-on-year increase was recorded in 2019, when exports grew by 16.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the export structure for apricots from Southern Europe was quite diversified. Germany accounted for 31.5% of exports by volume, France for 10.9%, and the United Kingdom for 5.2%. Together, these three countries represented 47.6% of total export flows, with no single country holding a clearly dominant position.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2018, the value of apricot exports from Southern Europe peaked at 237.5 million US dollars. By 2020, this figure stood at 234.4 million US dollars, showing a 4.8% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 15%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 4.8%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when export value fell by 5.8%, while the most significant increase was in 2018, with a 16.5% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom were the main markets for Southern Europe's apricot exports by value. Germany accounted for 35.9% of export value, France for 11.3%, and the United Kingdom for 7.1%. Collectively, these three countries represented 54.3% of total export flows in value terms.

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

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

Imports apricots to Southern Europe

Imports in kind, K t

Apricot imports into Southern Europe declined for the third consecutive year in 2020, reaching 18.2 thousand tons. This represented a 7.3% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 37%, with a compound annual growth rate of -14.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France, Germany, and Austria consistently held leading positions in Southern Europe's apricot import structure by volume. France accounted for 20.7% of imports, Germany for 2.5%, and Austria for 1.5%. Together, these three countries represented 24.8% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2019, the value of apricot imports into Southern Europe hit its lowest point at 30.8 million US dollars. By 2020, this had rebounded sharply to 38.8 million US dollars, representing a 26.1% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value grew by 11.5%, with an average annual rate of 3.7%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when import value fell by 18.8%.

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

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, France, Germany, and Austria remained the main sources of apricot imports into Southern Europe by value. France accounted for 13.1% of import value, Germany for 3.8%, and Austria for 2.6%. Together, these three countries represented 19.5% of total import flows in value terms.

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

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