Italy increases apple exports in 2025/26; stable prices for main varieties

Italy exported over 1 million tonnes of apples in 2025, up 17% from 2024, with stable export prices for Fuji, Golden, and Granny Smith varieties.

In the 2025/26 season, Italy exported more than 1 million tonnes of apples, an increase of over 17% compared to the previous year. The country maintained its position as the world's leading apple exporter, surpassing the USA and China. Italian apple exports benefited from reduced production in other European countries due to late frosts, which limited overall supply and boosted the competitiveness of Italian apples, particularly in markets such as Egypt.

Italian apple production for 2025/26 is estimated at 2.25 million tonnes, down 3% from 2024. Trentino-Alto Adige remains the main production region, responsible for approximately two-thirds of the national output. Within this region, Bolzano accounts for 44% and Trento for 20% of Italian apples. Production increased by 5% in Trentino, decreased by 3% in Alto Adige, and saw sharper declines in Piemonte (-15%) and Veneto (-11%), with Veneto also affected by hail events.

Export prices for key apple varieties remained stable compared to the previous year. The Fuji campaign began in early October at €1.80/kg (caliber 80/85–85/90 mm, single layer), dipped to €1.70/kg in November-December, and returned to €1.80/kg through late spring before dropping back to autumn levels as summer fruit entered the market. Golden Delicious prices ranged from €1.60–1.70/kg for Melinda Dop to €1.70–1.80/kg for Marlene Igp, with Marlene consistently about 10% higher. Granny Smith started at €1.70/kg and remained steady.

Italy experienced growing demand from Egypt, where Italian Gala and Golden apples became more competitive in 2025 due to stable pricing and reduced regional supply. Exporters managed stocks and shipments to maintain price stability despite market fluctuations.

Poland, as a major apple importer and exporter in the region, faces increased competition from Italian apples with stable prices and high quality, especially as other European suppliers report lower availability due to weather events.

Material prepared by the editorial team of fresh-market.info, editor Artur Spiker