Market Trends of Europe Stone Fruits Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the Europe Stone Fruits Market according to our research experts:
Increase in Health Consciousness among Consumers is Driving the Market
Fresh fruits are becoming popular than never before in Europe. The growing consumer appetite for healthy eating and food choices is driving the market for fresh fruits including stone fruits in the region. This is quite evident with the increase in imports in recent years across various regions within Europe. Fresh fruits with special characteristics such as Apricot, Cherries, and Peaches have become more popular in Western Europe. Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom are attractive markets for stone fruits. The consumption of fresh fruits is also developing a sustainable approach in its production and processing. Buyers are paying close attention to the impact of producing fruits locally in a sustainable manner. This, in turn, has stimulated the growth of organic stone fruit in the region. Taste and consumer preference for seasonal fruits has augmented the demand for stone fruits in the region. With the rise in demand for healthy eating among Europeans, the market for these fruits is expected to grow during the forecast period.
Spain Dominates the European Market
Spain is one of the main European producers of stone fruit. Apricot, Cherries, Peaches & Nectarines are some of the major grown stone fruits in the region. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) statistics, the area under apricot cultivation has increased from 18.8 thousand hectares in 2015 to 20.5 thousand hectares in 2018, while the production has increased by 14% in 2018 as compared to its production in 2015. The favorable government policies such as the implementation of the "Plan for the improvement of the stone fruit sector" by the country's Ministry of Agriculture has promoted regional production. Murcia, Valencia, Aragon, and Catalonia are the major stone fruit producing provinces in the region. The country's exports are mostly destined to Europen countries with Germany, United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Poland being the major importing countries. With high domestic production supported by favorable government policies, the market for stone fruits is expected to grow during the forecast period.
