Despite global challenges and climate changes in the last few years, Moldova has managed to significantly increase its presence in the EU market. In recent years, the global consumption trend has placed apples in 4th place among preferences. In this context, in 2024, there was an 87% increase in apple exports to the European Union compared to 2023 (24,000 tons compared to 13,000 tons), while total exports grew by 12% (130,000 tons compared to 116,000 tons).
Despite the challenging season for plums and the 22% decrease in total export volume, the average price increased by 50% from 0.54 USD/kg in 2023 to 0.81 USD/kg in 2024. However, compared to 2022, total exports increased 1.7 times, especially to the EU, where they doubled from 24,000 tons to 48,000 tons, with exporters reducing their dependence on the Russian Federation's main market.
A remarkable success last season was the tripling of the total export volume of apricots, from 4,000 tons in 2023 to 13,000 tons in 2024. At the same time, the share destined for the EU market increased from 32% to 56%, making it the main market. The average price increased by 1.5 times.
The 2024 season for grapes was challenging due to heavy rains during harvest time – between 13 and 16 September 2024, the low-pressure system Boris brought record-breaking rainfall that led to severe flooding in parts of Central Europa –, with total exports decreasing by 26%. However, compared to 2023, there was a slight 3% increase in grape exports to the EU market, while exports to CIS countries dropped by 60% (14,000 tons compared to 35,000 tons in 2023). A trial shipment was done to Saudi Arabia.
New markets Moldovan fruit exporters are focusing on now are Great Britain and Nordic countries.
For more information:
Alexandra Bicu
Moldova Fruct
Tel/Whatsapp: +373 68 355 770
abicu@moldovafruct.md
https://moldovafruct.md/en/