Apple production in Italy is expected to decline in 2024, with significant impacts particularly at the regional level, while Prices in the market continue to rise. This situation is part of a European context in which there has been a general decline, mainly due to the spring frosts that have hit many countries on the continent.
Apple production is falling in Italy and Europe.
According to Assomela and CSO estimates for August 2024, Italian apple production declined to around 2,162,500 tonnes. A decrease of 0.6 percent compared to the previous year. And the situation in Europe is not much different. In fact, according to WAPA (World Apple and Pear Association) data, apple production at the European level in 2024 will be around 10.2 million tons. 11 percent decrease 14 percent compared to 2023 and compared to the average for the three-year period 2021-2023.
This tendency to fall mainly manifests itself. Due to spring frosts Which has significantly affected agricultural crops in many areas. Low night temperatures, which occur during a critical period for plant growth, directly damage flowers and shoots, reducing the plant’s ability to produce adequate amounts of fruit. Especially the most vulnerable crops like fruits and vegetables have suffered a lot.
Crop losses, which in some cases reached peaks of 30-40%, This had an immediate impact on the availability of agricultural products in the market, increasing prices and reducing the volume of production. This scenario led to economic hardship for farmers, who found themselves not only facing crop losses, but also greater uncertainty for the next production cycles.
The most affected areas in Italy
Regionally, apple production is very diverse. TheThe provinces of Bolzano and Trento are the most affected.with a decrease of 9% and 7% respectively compared to 2023.
However, it must be said that at the regional level, apple production in Italy shows great diversity, with strong differences between different regions of the country, influenced by climatic factors and specific agricultural practices. In fact, other Italian regions have performed more positively. i Piedmont, saw an 8 percent increase in harvestA signal that, although moderate, shows progress compared to the previous year.
Then Veneto has seen a real explosion. In production, with an increase of 33%, the result highlights the resilience of the region, which has been able to cope with climatic difficulties with more appropriate agricultural techniques or with the adoption of more resistant varieties. Emilia-Romagna instead recorded a 15 percent increaseA positive figure that confirms the region’s good health for apple production.
Because prices are rising.
Despite the decline in apple production, which could have reduced supply, prices showed general stability in the first half of the 2024/25 marketing year. An increase over the previous three years. This trend is the result of various factors affecting the apple market.
first, Due to crop failure, the supply decreasedThat can push prices higher in a market that isn’t facing any other constraints.
However, this inevitably affected domestic consumption. Unsurprisingly, figures for the 2023/24 trading campaign have been reported by Ismia. A decrease in the quantity of apples purchased (-0.7%) compared to last year. However, family spending on apple purchases increased by 7%, mainly due to an increase in the average retail price (+8%).
Exports support the sector.
An interesting data reported by Ismea concerns foreign trade, which plays an important role in balancing the Italian apple supply chain. In the 2023/24 campaign, Italy recorded a Record a positive balance in respect of exports of apples.Exports increased by 14 percent compared to the previous campaign, reaching about 875 million kg. This result was possible thanks to both the increase in the volume of exports (+2.8%) and the average price of exported apples (+11%).
Italian apple exports were mainly focused on European markets, but global uncertainty could negatively affect exports to non-European countries, e.g. Asia and North AmericaWhere international competition is becoming increasingly tough.
However, the international context is unknown, particularly with regard to exports to non-European countries. Global demand for Italian apples is destined to grow, but Challenges related to competition and logistical difficulties May affect foreign trade performance.
