3 Million Tonnes of EU Apricot Production 2021–2025: A Complete Data Breakdown
The EU apricot market reached a total harvested production of 3.0 million tonnes over the five-year period, equivalent to an annual average of 602.4 thousand tonnes. Italy leads as the top producer with 1,078.5 thousand tonnes (35.8% share), followed by Spain at 593.6 thousand tonnes (19.7%), France at 495.0 thousand tonnes (16.4%) and Greece at 482.8 thousand tonnes (16.0%).
EU Market Share: Who Dominates Apricot Production?
The European Union produced 3,012.1 thousand tonnes of apricots (F1230) in total between 2021 and 2025 under the Eurostat apro_cpsh1 dataset, averaging 602.4 thousand tonnes per year. Four Mediterranean and Western member states dominate the sector.
Italy alone contributed 1,078.5 thousand tonnes (215.7 thousand t/yr) over the five-year window, more than one-third of total EU output. Spain followed with 593.6 thousand tonnes (118.7 thousand t/yr), while France and Greece each contributed approximately 16% of total production. Romania, Hungary and Bulgaria together added a further 275.8 thousand tonnes (9.2% combined).
| Member State | Total (1 000 t) | Annual Avg (1 000 t/yr) | % of EU Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Italy | 1,078.5 | 215.7 | 35.8% |
| Spain | 593.6 | 118.7 | 19.7% |
| France | 495.0 | 99.0 | 16.4% |
| Greece | 482.8 | 96.6 | 16.0% |
| Other EU | 362.1 | 72.4 | 12.0% |
Agricultural Efficiency: Yield per Hectare
Apricot yields vary substantially across the top producing member states, with Italy achieving the highest space efficiency. The following figures are calculated as total harvested production divided by area harvested over the five-year period.
Italy achieved the highest average yield of 12.5 t/ha, with a relatively consistent range of 10.7 to 14.1 t/ha across the five years. Greece followed at 10.2 t/ha, though all Greek area and production data carry an estimated (`e`) flag, reflecting statistical estimation. France averaged 9.0 t/ha with a wide range (4.6–11.5 t/ha), driven by a low-yield 2021 season and strong recovery in 2022–2023. Spain recorded the lowest average yield among the top four at 7.3 t/ha, despite having the second-highest total production volume — a consequence of deploying the largest apricot orchard footprint relative to output.
| Member State | Avg Yield (t/ha) | 5-Year Range |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | 12.5 | 10.7–14.1 |
| Greece | 10.2 | 7.7–12.4 |
| France | 9.0 | 4.6–11.5 |
| Spain | 7.3 | 4.8–9.6 |
Regional and Climatic Divides Across Europe
Southern Europe (Italy, Spain and Greece) accounts for 71.5% of total EU apricot output, reflecting the crop’s strong preference for warm Mediterranean climates. Western Europe contributes 17.5% primarily through France and Austria. Eastern European member states collectively represent 10.3%, with Hungary and Romania being the largest producers in the region.
| Region | Member States | Total (1 000 t) | Annual Avg (1 000 t/yr) | Share of EU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Europe | IT, ES, EL | 2,154.9 | 431.0 | 71.5% |
| Western Europe | FR, AT | 528.1 | 105.6 | 17.5% |
| Eastern Europe | HU, RO, BG, PL, CZ, SK, SI, HR | 309.2 | 61.8 | 10.3% |
| Other | PT, CY, MT | 19.9 | 4.0 | 0.7% |
Temporal Trends: Market Stability vs. Volatility
The five-year production timeline reveals distinct stability patterns among the top four producers.
Italy was the most stable producer, with annual output ranging between 189.6 and 240.1 thousand tonnes — a maximum deviation of approximately 11% from its five-year mean.
Spain showed moderate volatility: production fell from 114.7 thousand tonnes in 2021 to 80.9 thousand tonnes in 2022 (a 29.5% drop), before recovering to 108.5 thousand tonnes in 2023 and climbing to 155.6 thousand tonnes in 2024, then settling at 134.0 thousand tonnes in 2025.
France exhibited the highest volatility among the top producers, with output surging from 54.6 thousand tonnes in 2021 to 128.1 thousand tonnes in 2022 (a 135% increase), maintaining elevated levels through 2023 (127.8 thousand tonnes) before dipping to 82.8 thousand tonnes in 2024 and recovering to 101.8 thousand tonnes in 2025.
Greece also showed significant swings, with production varying from 73.3 to 122.4 thousand tonnes. All Greek production data carries an estimated (`e`) flag, reflecting statistical estimation rather than confirmed survey results.
| Member State | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Italy | 189.6 | 230.1 | 207.2 | 240.1 | 211.6 |
| Spain | 114.7 | 80.9 | 108.5 | 155.6 | 134.0 |
| France | 54.6 | 128.1 | 127.8 | 82.8 | 101.8 |
| Greece | 76.5e | 112.2e | 98.3e | 122.4e | 73.3e |
Land Allocation: How Countries Prioritise Apricot Farming
The EU devoted 346.1 thousand hectares to apricot cultivation over 2021–2025, averaging 69.2 thousand hectares per year.
Italy devoted 86.2 thousand hectares to apricot orchards over the period (24.9% of the EU total), while Spain allocated a similar area at 82.1 thousand hectares (23.7%). Despite having comparable orchard footprints, Italy’s production was nearly double that of Spain, reflecting substantially higher yields. France dedicated 55.1 thousand hectares (15.9%) and Greece 47.3 thousand hectares (13.7%).
| Member State | Area (1 000 ha) | Annual Avg (1 000 ha/yr) | % of EU Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Italy | 86.2 | 17.2 | 24.9% |
| Spain | 82.1 | 16.4 | 23.7% |
| France | 55.1 | 11.0 | 15.9% |
| Greece | 47.3 | 9.5 | 13.7% |
| Other EU | 75.4 | 15.1 | 21.8% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which EU country produces the most apricots?
Italy is the largest apricot producer in the European Union, contributing 1,078.5 thousand tonnes (35.8% of the EU total) over the 2021–2025 period, followed by Spain (593.6 thousand tonnes, 19.7%), France (495.0 thousand tonnes, 16.4%) and Greece (482.8 thousand tonnes, 16.0%).
How much land does the EU dedicate to apricot cultivation?
EU member states devoted a combined 346.1 thousand hectares to apricot orchards over 2021–2025, averaging 69.2 thousand hectares per year. Italy and Spain together account for 48.6% of this area.
Has EU apricot production been stable in recent years?
Production levels have fluctuated across the 2021–2025 period. Italy was the steadiest producer, while France experienced the largest swings — from 54.6 thousand tonnes in 2021 to 128.1 thousand tonnes in 2022. Spain and Greece also showed notable year-to-year variation.
Source data extracted from Eurostat dataset apro_cpsh1.
This article was generated using AI. The content is based on Eurostat data and is provided as a starting point — please verify all data with the original source.