EU apple imports gain ground in Brazil as demand grows over 50 percent
Brazil’s rising reliance on imported apples is creating expanded opportunities for European suppliers, the Association of Polish Fruit and Vegetables Distributors stated in a March 30 release. EU apple shipments are climbing sharply in the current marketing year and strengthening the bloc’s position in a key non-EU market.
Brazil imported 7.41 billion pounds of fresh apples in the 2023-24 season, up from 4.88 billion pounds the prior year. This represents a 52 percent increase, according to the Brazilian apple growers’ association ABPM. Total imports remained elevated at nearly seven billion pounds in 2024-25.
At the same time, domestic production now accounts for just 75 to 78 percent of total market supply, emphasizing a growing gap that imports are filling.
EU apple imports take a bigger bite
European shipments to Brazil continue to trend higher, supported by strong early-season volumes. Data from the European Commission (DG AGRI) shows the EU exported 179 million pounds of apples to Brazil in the 2024-25 season.
In the first five months of the 2025-26 season (August through December 2025), exports reached over 135 million pounds, or about 76 percent of the previous full-season total.
Italy remains the leading EU supplier to Brazil, shipping 94 million pounds in 2024-25 and over 71 million pounds during the opening months of the current season.
Promotion efforts target trade ties
The EU is continuing to invest in promotion as it builds its presence in Brazil. The three-year campaign “It's Apple Day Today! Discover high-quality apples from the European Union,” co-funded by the country bloc, will be featured at Anuga Select Brazil 2026 in São Paulo, scheduled for April 7 to 9.
Organizers said the previous edition drew more than 16,000 visitors from 63 countries and over 510 exhibitors from 38 countries.
At the campaign stand, attendees will have opportunities to sample European apples, participate in B2B meetings, and review information on EU quality control systems, food safety standards, and production practices.
A press event during the show will present updated market data and outline priorities for future EU–Brazil apple trade cooperation.
*All photos are referential.
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