Apples are among the most widely consumed fruits globally, cherished for their versatility, taste, and health benefits. The production of apples is a significant agricultural activity, with various countries contributing to the global apple supply.

Here’s a look at the largest apple-producing countries in the world, highlighting their production volumes and key factors. 

1. China

Apple Varieties

China is known for a diverse range of apple varieties, each with distinct characteristics:

• Fuji: Dominating the market, Fuji apples are celebrated for their crisp texture and sweet flavor. They are the most widely grown and exported variety.
• Red Delicious: Recognizable by its deep red color and sweet taste, this variety is a staple in Chinese orchards.
• Golden Delicious: Known for its mild sweetness and yellow skin, it is another popular variety in China.
• Jonagold: A hybrid with a tangy-sweet flavor and firm texture, it adds variety to China’s apple offerings.

These varieties cater to both domestic preferences and international market demands.

Key Regions of Production

China’s apple production is centered in several major regions:

• Shandong Province: The leading apple-producing region, Shandong is renowned for its high-quality Fuji apples, contributing significantly to the national output.
• Shaanxi Province: Known for its diverse apple varieties, Shaanxi is a major contributor to China’s apple production, with a substantial volume of both domestic and export apples.
• Hebei Province: Another key player, Hebei’s apple orchards produce a significant quantity of apples, including popular varieties like Fuji and Red Delicious.
• Jilin Province: Located in northeastern China, Jilin benefits from a cold climate ideal for apple cultivation, supporting the production of varieties such as Fuji and Golden Delicious.

These regions are characterized by their favorable climates and soil conditions, which support large-scale apple farming.

Production Volume and Export Value

• Production Volume: China is the largest apple producer globally, with an annual production volume of approximately 44 million metric tons. This makes up nearly half of the world’s total apple production.
• Export Value: China is also the world’s leading exporter of apples, with an annual export value of around USD 3 billion. Major export markets include South Korea, Vietnam, Russia, and various Middle Eastern countries.

2. United States

Apple Varieties

The United States produces a wide range of apple varieties, catering to both domestic and international markets:

• Red Delicious: Known for its deep red color and sweet flavor, it is a staple in U.S. apple production.
• Fuji: Grown for its crisp texture and sweet taste, Fuji apples are popular both domestically and internationally.
• Gala: This variety is appreciated for its sweet, juicy flavor and vibrant color, making it a favorite among consumers.
• Granny Smith: Renowned for its tart flavor and green skin, Granny Smith apples are used widely in cooking and baking.

These varieties are cultivated to meet diverse consumer preferences and contribute significantly to the U.S. apple market.

Key Regions of Production

The United States has several major apple-growing regions, each contributing to the nation’s overall production:

• Washington State: The leading apple-producing state, Washington accounts for the majority of U.S. apple production. The state’s climate and soil conditions are ideal for growing high-quality apples.
• New York: Known for its extensive apple orchards, New York is a major contributor to the U.S. apple supply, with a focus on varieties like Red Delicious and Empire.
• Michigan: This state is a significant apple producer, particularly for varieties such as Gala and Fuji.
• Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania’s apple orchards contribute to the national supply, with a diverse range of varieties including Granny Smith and Golden Delicious.

These regions benefit from favorable climates and advanced agricultural practices that support large-scale apple production.

Production Volume and Export Value

• Production Volume: The United States is the second-largest apple producer in the world, with an annual production volume of approximately 5 million metric tons. This significant output supports both domestic consumption and export markets.
• Export Value: The U.S. apple industry has a strong export presence, with an annual export value of around USD 1 billion. Major export destinations include Canada, Mexico, and various countries in Asia and the Middle East.

3. Poland

Apple Varieties

Poland is known for producing a variety of apple types, each catering to different tastes and uses:

• Jonagold: A popular hybrid apple known for its balanced sweet-tart flavor and crisp texture.
• Idared: Recognized for its versatility, this apple has a tart taste and is commonly used in cooking and baking.
• Golden Delicious: Known for its mild sweetness and yellow skin, this variety is widely grown in Poland.
• Ariwa: A newer variety that combines the qualities of traditional apples with improved resistance to diseases.

These varieties are selected for their adaptability to Poland’s climate and their appeal in both domestic and export markets.

Key Regions of Production

Poland’s apple production is concentrated in several key regions:

• Lublin Province: This region is a major apple-growing area, known for its high-quality fruit and diverse apple varieties.
• Masuria: Located in northeastern Poland, Masuria is another important apple-growing area with favorable conditions for apple cultivation.
• Greater Poland: This region contributes significantly to the national apple supply, benefiting from its suitable climate and soil.

These regions provide the ideal conditions for apple farming, including a temperate climate and fertile soils.

Production Volume and Export Value

• Production Volume: Poland is the largest apple producer in Europe, with an annual production volume of approximately 3 million metric tons. This makes Poland a significant player in the global apple market.
• Export Value: Poland’s apple export industry is robust, with an annual export value of around USD 500 million. Major export destinations include other European countries, such as Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands.

4. India

Apple Varieties

India produces a range of apple varieties suited to its diverse climatic conditions:

• Kashmiri Apple: Known for its sweet flavor and crisp texture, this variety is predominantly grown in the Kashmir Valley.
• Himachali Apple: Popular in Himachal Pradesh, these apples are valued for their taste and quality.
• Shimla Apple: Grown in the Shimla region, this apple is known for its rich flavor and firmness.
• M9 Apple: A modern variety known for its early ripening and high yield, cultivated in various states.

These varieties cater to both local preferences and emerging export markets.

Key Regions of Production

India’s apple production is concentrated in several key regions:

• Himachal Pradesh: A major apple-growing state, particularly in the regions of Shimla, Kullu, and Mandi. The state benefits from a favorable climate and high-altitude conditions ideal for apple cultivation.
• Jammu & Kashmir: Known for its high-quality apples, especially in the Kashmir Valley and parts of Jammu. The region’s cold climate and fertile soil support extensive apple orchards.
• Uttarakhand: Emerging as a significant apple producer, with regions like Nainital contributing to the country’s apple supply.

These regions offer the ideal climatic and soil conditions necessary for apple cultivation.

Production Volume and Export Value

• Production Volume: India is a significant apple producer, with an annual production volume of approximately 2.5 million metric tons. This production is primarily focused on domestic consumption, with some regions contributing to export markets.
• Export Value: India’s apple export industry is developing, with an annual export value of around USD 100 million. Major export destinations include the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and parts of Europe.

5. Russia

Apple Varieties

Russia produces a range of apple varieties adapted to its diverse climatic conditions:

• Antonovka: A traditional Russian variety known for its tart flavor and use in baking and cooking. It is well-suited to the colder climates of Russia.
• Aport: Valued for its large size and sweet, aromatic flavor. It is commonly grown in the southern regions of Russia.
• Sirius: A modern variety that offers high yields and resistance to diseases, favored for its crisp texture and sweet taste.
• Golden Delicious: A globally popular variety, also grown in Russia for its sweet flavor and yellow skin.

These varieties are chosen for their adaptability to Russia’s varied climate and their ability to meet both domestic and export market demands.

Key Regions of Production

Apple production in Russia is concentrated in several key regions:

• Central Federal District: Including areas like Moscow and Kaluga, this region is a major apple-producing area due to its favorable climate and soil conditions.
• Southern Federal District: Regions such as Krasnodar and Rostov benefit from a milder climate suitable for apple cultivation and contribute significantly to the country’s apple production.
• Volga Federal District: Including Samara and Saratov, this region supports apple farming with its favorable agricultural conditions.

These regions offer a range of climatic and soil conditions that support apple cultivation across different varieties.

Production Volume and Export Value

• Production Volume: Russia’s apple production volume is approximately 2 million metric tons annually. The country’s apple orchards have been expanding, contributing significantly to both domestic consumption and export markets.
• Export Value: Russia’s apple export industry has been growing, with an annual export value of around USD 150 million. Major export destinations include neighboring countries such as Belarus, Kazakhstan, and various Middle Eastern countries.

6. Italy

Apple Varieties

Italy is known for producing a variety of high-quality apples, catering to different tastes and uses:

• Golden Delicious: Renowned for its sweet flavor and yellow skin, this variety is one of the most popular in Italy.
• Gala: Appreciated for its crisp texture and sweet taste, Gala apples are widely grown across the country.
• Granny Smith: Known for its tart flavor and green skin, Granny Smith apples are used in both fresh consumption and culinary applications.
• Fuji: This variety, valued for its sweetness and firmness, is increasingly cultivated in Italy’s apple-growing regions.

These varieties are selected for their adaptability to Italy’s climate and their appeal in both domestic and international markets.

Key Regions of Production

Italy’s apple production is centered in several key regions:

• Trentino-Alto Adige: This region, located in northern Italy, is the leading apple-producing area. Its favorable climate and soil conditions support high-quality apple cultivation.
• Emilia-Romagna: Known for its diverse agricultural output, Emilia-Romagna contributes significantly to Italy’s apple production with a range of varieties.
• Piedmont: This region also plays a significant role in Italian apple production, benefiting from its suitable climate and well-established farming practices.

These regions provide ideal conditions for apple growing, including temperate climates and fertile soils.

Production Volume and Export Value

• Production Volume: Italy is a major apple producer, with an annual production volume of approximately 1.5 million metric tons. This substantial output supports both domestic consumption and export markets.
• Export Value: Italy’s apple export industry is strong, with an annual export value of around USD 800 million. Major export destinations include other European countries such as Germany, France, and the Netherlands, as well as markets in the Middle East and Asia.

7. Chile

Apple Varieties

Chile produces several notable apple varieties, known for their quality and adaptability:

• Fuji: Valued for its crisp texture and sweet flavor, Fuji apples are one of the most popular varieties grown in Chile.
• Gala: This variety is appreciated for its sweet, juicy taste and attractive color, making it a favorite in both domestic and international markets.
• Granny Smith: Known for its tart flavor and green skin, Granny Smith apples are widely cultivated and used in various culinary applications.
• Red Delicious: Recognizable by its deep red color and sweet taste, this variety is also prominent in Chilean apple production.

These varieties are chosen for their ability to thrive in Chile’s diverse climatic conditions and their appeal in global markets.

Key Regions of Production

Chile’s apple production is concentrated in several key regions:

• Central Valley: This region, including areas such as Santiago and Rancagua, is the primary apple-growing area in Chile. Its Mediterranean climate is ideal for apple cultivation.
• Southern Regions: Areas like the Bio-Bio and Los Lagos regions contribute to Chile’s apple production, benefiting from cooler temperatures and ample rainfall.

These regions offer favorable conditions for growing a wide range of apple varieties, from sweet to tart.

Production Volume and Export Value

• Production Volume: Chile is a significant apple producer, with an annual production volume of approximately 1.2 million metric tons. The country’s well-established apple orchards support a robust production capacity.
• Export Value: Chile’s apple export industry is strong, with an annual export value of around USD 600 million. Major export destinations include the United States, Brazil, China, and various countries in Europe.

8. France

Apple Varieties

France is renowned for its diverse apple varieties, which cater to various tastes and uses:

• Golden Delicious: This variety is known for its sweet flavor and yellow skin, making it a popular choice both domestically and for export.
• Granny Smith: Valued for its tart taste and green skin, Granny Smith apples are commonly used in cooking and fresh consumption.
• Gala: Appreciated for its crisp texture and sweet flavor, Gala apples are widely grown and favored in many markets.
• Reine des Reinettes: A traditional French variety known for its rich, spicy flavor, ideal for cooking and making apple-based dishes.

Key Regions of Production

Apple production in France is concentrated in several key regions:

• Normandy: Famous for its extensive apple orchards, Normandy is known for producing apples used in both fresh consumption and cider production.
• Brittany: This region is a significant contributor to France’s apple production, particularly for varieties used in cider making.
• Loire Valley: The Loire Valley is another major apple-producing area, benefiting from its temperate climate and fertile soils, which support high-quality apple cultivation.
• Alsace: Known for its diverse agricultural output, Alsace contributes to France’s apple production with a focus on varieties suitable for both fresh eating and processing.

Production Volume and Export Value

• Production Volume: France produces approximately 1.4 million metric tons of apples annually, making it one of the leading apple producers in Europe.
• Export Value: The annual export value of French apples is around USD 500 million. Major export destinations include other European countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, as well as markets in North America and Asia.

9. New Zealand

Apple Varieties

New Zealand is known for producing a variety of high-quality apples, which include:

• Jazz: Valued for its sweet-tart flavor and crisp texture, Jazz apples are popular both domestically and internationally.
• Gala: Known for its juicy and sweet flavor, Gala apples are a major variety grown in New Zealand.
• Granny Smith: This variety is appreciated for its tart taste and green skin, making it versatile for cooking and fresh consumption.
• Royal Gala: Recognized for its sweet flavor and crisp texture, Royal Gala apples are significant in New Zealand’s apple production.

Key Regions of Production

Apple production in New Zealand is concentrated in several key regions:

• Hawke’s Bay: The leading apple-growing region in New Zealand, Hawke’s Bay is renowned for its ideal climate and high-quality fruit production.
• Canterbury: Another important apple-producing area, Canterbury benefits from its temperate climate and fertile soils, supporting extensive apple orchards.
• Nelson: Known for its apple orchards, Nelson contributes to the country’s apple supply with a range of varieties.

Production Volume and Export Value

• Production Volume: New Zealand produces approximately 600,000 metric tons of apples annually. The country’s apple orchards are known for their efficiency and high-quality output.
• Export Value: The annual export value of New Zealand apples is around USD 450 million. Major export destinations include Asia (particularly China and Japan), North America (especially the United States and Canada), and Australia.