Current market information: exports to Vietnam
Apples produced in the orchards of the European Union are distinguished by their high taste, unique aroma and quality. This is due to the climatic conditions conducive to their cultivation and sustainable production methods, which aim to minimise the use of plant protection products and artificial fertilisers. It is, therefore, not surprising that they are increasingly popular in markets worldwide, including Asian markets.
According to data from the World Apple and Pear Association, this year’s European apple production is estimated at 10.21 million tonnes,[1] with every third of EU apples originating from Polish orchards. [2]Poland’s role as the top European producer of this fruit is truly impressive, with an annual apple harvest that fluctuates between 3-4 million tonnes. [3]This year’s forecast indicates a harvest of around 3.19 million tonnes.2 Other significant apple producers in the European Union are Italy and France, with estimated harvests of 2.16 million tonnes and 1.46 million tonnes, respectively. [4]
Poland, Italy, and France are among the world’s largest exporters of apples. 4 Last year, some 809,000 tonnes of Polish apples were exported to foreign markets (10.5% more than the previous year). Italy exported 864,000 tonnes of these fruits (0.8% less than the previous year) and France shipped 313,000 tonnes to foreign markets (8.6% less than the previous year).2 European apples are exported to numerous non-EU countries, including Kazakhstan, Egypt, India, the UK, Mongolia, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Colombia. Vietnam stands out as another market with promising opportunities.
Vietnam’s open market
Vietnam is one of the world’s largest importers of apples, with significant growth in recent years. In 2021, Vietnamese apple imports reached 143,000 tonnes2, which increased to 201,000 tonnes in 2022. Last year, imports were close to 303,000 tonnes[5], marking a year-on-year increase of more than 40%, highlighting the growing demand for apples in this country. Exports of European apples to Vietnam have been increasing for nearly a decade. In the 2013/2014 trading season, the volume was merely 61 tonnes, yet by the 2022/2023 season, it had soared to 10,154 tonnes. Despite a minor dip to nearly 9,000 tonnes in the concluded 2023/2024 season, the overall trend suggests an upward trajectory. A decade ago, apples from Poland, a top producer in the EU, were not present in the Vietnamese market. According to the European Commission, the first recorded shipments of Polish apples to Vietnam occurred during the 2014/2015 season, totalling 69 tonnes. By the 2023/2024 trading season, shipments from Poland had increased significantly to 1,961 tonnes. During the 2013/2014 season, France exported 42 tonnes of apples to Vietnam. By the end of the 2023/2024 trading season, this figure had increased significantly to 6,432 tonnes. Conversely, Italy exported under 19 tonnes of apples to Vietnam a decade ago. However, this figure rose to 389 tonnes in the 2021/2022 season before the destination lost its importance and exports fell to 21 tonnes in the 2023/2024 season.2
European orchard apples are known for their consistent quality and wide variety, making them an exclusive premium product that can captivate local consumers and gain a stronger foothold in the Vietnamese market.
[1] Source: Prognosfruit 2024 – EU Production Down for Apples Up for Pears – https://fas.usda.gov/data/germany-prognosfruit-2024-eu-production-down-apples-pears
[2] Source: Agridata https://agridata.ec.europa.eu/extensions/DashboardApples/ApplesTrade.html
[3] Source: Agridata – https://agridata.ec.europa.eu/extensions/DashboardFruitAndVeg/FruitandVegetableProduction.html
[4] Source: Agriculture: https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/document/download/17a7b758-e5fc-457c-a7ab-4c387db82f90_en?filename=apple-dashboard_en.pdf
[5] Source: Statista https://www.statista.com/statistics/756419/global-top-apple-importer-worldwide/