Fresh Apricots Market Analysis
The Fresh Apricots Market size is estimated at USD 16.70 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 20.96 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.65% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
The global apricots market continues to expand, driven by increasing consumer awareness of the fruit's nutritional benefits and versatile applications in food processing. Apricots, both fresh and dried, maintain strong demand across retail and industrial sectors. The market growth is supported by technological advancements in cultivation methods, improved post-harvest handling techniques, and efficient cold chain logistics that enable broader distribution networks.
Consumer demand for nutritious fruits with preventive and therapeutic properties has increased apricot consumption globally. The fruit serves as a traditional remedy in several Asian countries, particularly China. Apricots possess multiple therapeutic properties, including analgesic, anthelmintic, antiasthmatic, antipyretic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, demulcent, emetic, emollient, expectorant, laxative, ophthalmic, pectoral, and sedative effects, contributing to their increased consumption.
The market exhibits seasonal supply and price fluctuations, with peak production during Northern Hemisphere summers. While apricots originate from Asia, Middle Eastern countries dominate production. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, Turkey produces 750 thousand metric tons in 2023, while Iran and Uzbekistan collectively produce 731 thousand metric tons of fresh apricots. Other significant producers include Pakistan, Italy, Algeria, Japan, Afghanistan, Egypt, and Spain.
Growing demand for organic and naturally dried apricots, particularly in developed economies, represents an emerging trend in the market. Additionally, the processing segment continues to expand as manufacturers incorporate apricots into various products, including jams, preserves, and snack foods.
Fresh Apricots Market Trends
Europe Dominates Exports Market
European countries hold a significant share of the global apricot export market. European exports have increased, and production for 2024 is projected to grow, indicating exports will likely maintain their upward trend. In 2023, apricot exports reached USD 336.9 million in value terms, representing a 14% increase, according to the International Trade Center Database.
Spain remains the world's largest exporter of fresh apricots, maintaining this position for the past eight years. Spanish fresh apricot exports increased from USD 117.9 million in 2022 to USD 155.0 million in 2023. This export growth primarily resulted from production recovery in major growing regions. Production is projected to increase further as growers benefit from supportive government policies, including higher agricultural investments and inputs aimed at boosting country exports.
Italy maintains its position as the second-largest exporter in the European Union. Italy's share in European fresh apricot exports has increased steadily over recent years, with exports reaching USD 56.9 million in 2023. The country has established strong relationships with trade partners and maintains stable production, helping increase its export share in global markets.
Asia-Pacific Leads Global Fresh Apricots Consumption
The Asia-Pacific region demonstrates a strong demand for apricots, driven by increasing consumer awareness of their nutritional benefits and diverse applications in food products. Uzbekistan, Pakistan, China, and Japan represent the primary markets, with substantial consumption in both fresh and processed forms. The expanding middle-class population, higher disposable incomes, and evolving dietary preferences contribute to market growth. The food processing industry in the region uses apricots extensively in products such as jams, preserves, dried fruits, and confectionery items. The traditional medicine markets in China and South Korea also incorporate apricot kernels and oils, reinforcing regional demand.
Uzbekistan is emerging as a prominent apricot exporter from the Asia-Pacific region to the global market through the diversification of stone fruit cultivation. According to the International Trade Center, Uzbekistan exported 88.5 thousand metric tons of apricots in 2023. Apricot exports declined in 2021 and 2022 due to weather calamities and poor production. However, production has recovered, and exports are likely to maintain an upward trend. Farmers are transitioning to apricot cultivation from cherries and plums to secure higher prices for their produce. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization database, apricot production in Uzbekistan reached 500.5 thousand metric tons in 2023, increasing from 451.2 thousand metric tons. Production is projected to increase further due to growing international demand and higher price opportunities.
Fresh Apricots Market News
- December 2024: Summerfruit NZ, a grower cooperative holding the commercialization rights for the NZ Summer series apricots, announced the brand names for its first five varieties. The varieties include Summer Spark, Summer Desire, Summer Charm, Summer Passion, and Summer Blaze.
- December 2023: Plant & Food Research and Summerfruit NZ collaborated to test and crossbreed apricots, resulting in three new varieties adapted to New Zealand's climate. These new apricot varieties feature high sweetness levels and will be available for commercial production.
