European apples on foreign markets – where are they mostly exported to? Egypt remains at the forefront of importing countries

European apples are appreciated all over the world due to their high quality and exceptional taste. Apples grown in Europe, especially in a temperate climate, are characterized by juiciness, freshness and a diversity of varieties, which makes them popular not only in European countries, but also on world markets such as the Middle East, Asia, and America. Europe, as a region with a long tradition in fruit production, is famous for its high cultivation standards, which translate into excellent fruit quality. In addition, European fruit growers often use sustainable production methods, strive to protect the natural environment, which contributes to the positive reception of their products on international markets. European apples are characterized by an exceptional taste and high quality. Their production depends on the rules of fruit growing, harvesting and storage, which guarantee the high quality of exported fruit. Therefore, European apples are willingly chosen both in Europe and abroad, gaining recognition from consumers thanks to their exceptional features and high quality.

Export of Polish apples

In 2023, Poland exported around 740 thousand tons of apples. The largest importer of Polish apples was Germany, the second largest recipient was Romania, the third place in 2023 was taken by Egypt (over 57 thousand tons), and the fourth by Kazakhstan (54 thousand tons)[i].

In March 2024, PIORIN (State Plant Protection and Seed Inspection) issued 28 phytosanitary certificates for 35,335.176 tons of Polish apples. This means that Polish apples were sent to 28 countries outside the European Union. The importers include the following countries: Albania – 40,440 t, Bahrain – 41,328 t, Bangladesh – 63,504 t, Belarus – 81,672 t, Bosnia-Herzegovina – 63,750 t, Montenegro – 40,560 t, Egypt – 6,766,389 t, Georgia – 59,730 t, India – 9,719,057 t, Israel – 277,420 t, Jordan – 847,008 t, Qatar – 186,300 t, Kazakhstan – 8,839,067 t, Kyrgyzstan – 1,047,740 t, Colombia – 84,672 t, Costa Rica – 118,677 t, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – 2,044,584 t, Kuwait – 67,712 t, Kosovo – 531,688 t, Libya – 310,752 t, Mongolia – 1,439,296 t, Norway – 964,296 t, Serbia – 42,000 t, Ukraine – 0.220 t, Uzbekistan – 1,137,230 t, Vietnam – 21,168 t, Canary Islands – 19,968 t, United Arab Emirates – 483,948 t. In total, the total export of Polish apples in March 2024 amounted to 35,335,176 tons.

Export to Egypt

As one of the key importers of apples from Europe, Egypt plays a significant role in the global fruit market. Thanks to its strategic location, favourable climatic conditions and modern transport infrastructure, the country regularly imports numerous varieties of apples from Europe, including from countries such as Poland, France, Italy and Spain.

European apples, appreciated by Egyptian consumers for their freshness, intense aroma and exquisite taste, are very popular among local merchants and retail chains. Apples are not only sold to individual consumers, but also to the catering and processing industries, where they are used to produce juices, desserts and other food products. The popularity of European apples also results from rigorous quality and production standards, which guarantee their highest quality and safety.

Sources:

https://www.sadownictwo.com.pl/eksport-polskich-jablek-od-stycznia-do-listopada-2023

https://www.agrofakt.pl/marcowy-eksport-polskich-jablek-2024/

[i] MRiRW (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development), January 2024 quotes „Rynek Owoców i warzyw świeżych” (“Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Market”).