Apples – the stars of European exports
Apples are one of the most popular fruits in the world, which play a key role in international trade. These fruits have been cultivated in Europe for centuries and occupy a unique place in culture and tradition. High quality, variety and growing interest in a healthy lifestyle make these fruits highly valued on both local and international markets. Apples are not only a symbol of lifestyle, but also an important export commodity, thanks to which they contribute to the growth of the economy.
Egypt and Jordan – Key Export Markets
Apple exports are of great importance to the economies of European countries. The value of apple exports from Europe is growing, which affects the financial stability of many regions. The high quality of fruit and modern cultivation methods mean that European apples are appreciated all over the world. The export is also influenced by the growing popularity of organic apples and organic products, which are increasingly sought after by consumers.
Europe is one of the largest apple producers in the world, and Poland holds a leading position. According to data from the World Apple and Pear Association, European apple production this season amounted to 10.21 million tonnes, and every third EU apple comes from Polish orchards.
Apple exports in the autumn of 2024 confirm the great interest in Polish fruit. In September, we sent 13,509.517 tons of apples to 22 countries. In October, Polish apples were bought by 29 countries, with a total weight of 20,297.898 tons. Apple exports in September and October included over 30 countries, which together bought almost 34,000 tons of dessert apples in Poland. In recent years, a fairly significant amount of apples from Europe has also reached the Middle Eastern markets. One of the leading importers is Egypt (22,000 tons in the first half of 2024, while in September and October 2024 it was almost 14,000 tons). Apples exported from Europe enjoy a good reputation due to their freshness, aroma and taste, which makes them a popular choice among local consumers and appreciated for their high quality.
Most frequently exported varieties
‘Golden Delicious’ – one of the best varieties of dessert apples. The fruit is medium-sized, spherical with a slight cone. The skin of this variety is yellow with a green touch, sometimes with a delicate orange blush, and also has a delicate shine. The flesh is juicy, crisp, sweet-wine, aromatic. The taste is rated as very good.
‘Gala’ – one of the most popular apple varieties and the most frequently exported. The fruit is oval with a clearly marked cone and slight ribbing at the calyx. The apples are attractive, orange with a red blush in the form of marbled stripes. The skin is smooth, shiny, covered with a delicate wax coating. The flesh is creamy, juicy, crisp, sweet, very tasty.
‘Idared’ – a popular variety grown in European orchards. The fruit is medium-sized, slightly spherical, flattened on both sides from the petiole and the flower. Light yellow skin with a blush turning into blurred streaks on the edges, thick, shiny, covered with a waxy coating. Flesh is white, slightly creamy, fine-grained, juicy, slightly sour, very tasty.
‘Red Delicious’– a variety of apple tree, popular for many decades in Poland and other European countries. The fruit is large, dark red, almost purple, slightly elongated with five umbos at the calyx. The apples are crunchy, juicy and sweet, with a characteristic aroma for this variety.
Future of apple exports from Europe
To remain competitive, European apple producers must invest in modern cultivation technologies, sustainable development and marketing. To meet market challenges, fruit growers are introducing sustainable cultivation practices and innovative technologies, such as the use of irrigation systems, biological plant protection methods and balanced fertilization. These methods help produce high-quality fruit with minimal impact on the environment. The growing popularity of European products creates opportunities for further development of apple exports. It is also worth noting that changing lifestyles and consumer preferences may increase demand for organic and local fruit, which is an additional mission for European fruit growers. However, despite the success, the export sector also faces challenges. Climate change, which affects yields, and growing competition from countries outside Europe, such as China and the United States, present producers with difficult choices.
Source:
https://www.wapa-association.org/asp/index.asp
https://www.agrofakt.pl/eksport-jablek-jesienia-2024-wielkosci-i-kierunki/