Market Trends of Europe Kiwi Fruit Industry
Increased Demand for Kiwifruit owing to its Health Benefits
- Kiwi is a versatile fruit suitable for various diets. It is highly sought after for salads, desserts, and meals due to its appealing taste. The fruit's characteristics, such as high water content and antioxidants like potassium, make it ideal for athletes' diets. Its high fiber content, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients have contributed to increased consumer demand. This demand is prompting European producers to increase their output. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) 2024 Crops and Livestock Products statistics, kiwi production in Europe rose from 971.7 thousand metric tons in 2022 to 866.4 thousand metric tons in 2021.
- Italy leads kiwifruit production in Europe, with Greece, France, Spain, and Portugal following. These nations benefit from suitable climates for kiwifruit cultivation, and their output has grown to meet rising domestic and international demand. To address local market needs, countries like Italy, Greece, and France have expanded their kiwi cultivation areas and invested in advanced farming methods. European growers focus on quality to compete with imports. In Greece, the kiwifruit cultivation area reached 13.6 thousand hectares in 2022, representing a 7.9% increase from the previous year, as reported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Statistics.
Understand The Key Trends Shaping This Market
Download PDF
Italy Dominates the Market in Terms of Export
- Italy is the second-largest exporter of kiwi in the world and the first-largest exporter of kiwi in Europe, accounting for 40.3% of Europe's total kiwi exports. Italy exported 304.8 thousand metric tons in 2023. Italy's top importers of kiwi fruit are Germany, Belgium, Spain, Netherlands, and France.
- Kiwi demand is increasing among customers worldwide, fueled by customers' growing concern for healthiness and wellness. Kiwis are usually lower in sugar and higher in fiber than other fruits. As a result, this variety is in high demand among global consumers. Higher-income consumers are happy to pay extra sums to protect their health.
- Kiwis are high in vitamin C and dietary fiber. One serving of kiwi fruit provides 117% of the daily vitamin C intake and 21% dietary fiber. This tart fruit can benefit digestive and immune health. As a result of this fruit's increased benefits, the consumption of kiwi fruit is increasing in various European countries, driving export growth. The export market value of kiwi fruit was reported to have increased to 666.5 million by 25.9% between 2020 and 2023.
Get Analysis on Important Geographic Markets
Download PDF
