Apple Production by Country 2024

Apples are one of the world’s most-produced deciduous varieties of fruits that originated from Central Asia and spread all over the world. China produces the world’s largest number of apples, followed by the United States, Poland, Italy, and France.

Famous for their health benefits, apples are grown in almost every country. But depending on climatic conditions and other economic factors, some countries produce more apples than others.

Our list of apple production by country features the top ten apple producing countries and the amount of apples they produce by tons.

Apple Production by Country

Apple Production in China

China is in the topmost position in global apple production, producing more than 44 million tons annually. The country tops the list for the largest export of fresh apple fruits and the largest apple growing area.

China's fresh apple output accounted for 53.20% of the world's total by 2020. In 2021, China produced almost 46 million tons of the fruit. The apple industry has become an essential part of the country's national fruit industry and the primary agricultural development industry. It’s the main source of income for farmers in most apple-producing regions in China.

While production is done in varying locations, apple farming is mainly concentrated in some regions, such as the Bohai Bay and Loess Plateau. Although smallholders operate most apple orchards, the two areas account for 80% of the country’s growing area and 90% of its production.

Apple Production in Turkey

Turkey is the second largest apple producer globally. In 2021, Turkey produced approximately 4.49 million tons of apples, contributing significantly to both its domestic fruit industry and its export market.

Apple cultivation is widespread across the country, and the central Anatolian regions are the primary production areas. The provinces of Isparta, Karaman, and Niğde are well-known for their high-quality apple orchards, with Isparta alone accounting for a substantial portion of the country’s output.

The favorable climate, coupled with modern farming techniques, has enabled Turkey to meet domestic demand but also to become a major player in the international apple market. Apple farming in Turkey is a vital part of the rural economy, supporting thousands of both smallholders and large-scale operations.

Apple Production in the United States

The third-largest contributor to apple production as of 2021 is the United States, with an output of about 4.47 million tons. The second most commonly consumed fruit in the United States, apples come in about 2,500 varieties, the top ones including the Gala, McIntosh, Rome, Red Delicious, Granny Smith, Fuji, Golden Delicious, Honey Crisp, Cripps, Empire, and Pink Lady.

Almost every state in the United States produces apples. However, Washington State is by far the largest apple-producing state, accounting for around 70% of the apples in the U.S. Other apple-producing states are New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, California, and Virginia.

Apple production in the United States is a huge source of income due to exports. The country has over 5,000 apple producers growing on average 240 million bushels of apples every year on approximately 322 thousand acres of land.

Apple Production in Poland

Poland, the fourth largest apple producer as of 2021, produces just over 4 million tons of apples annually, placing behind China, Turkey, and the United States. But in per capita terms, apple production in Poland is about three times as high as in China and six times as high as in the United States. Apples make up 80% of the country’s fruit production.

Poland’s soil and climatic conditions are favorable for setting up apple orchards throughout the country. The major apple-growing areas are south western, south eastern, and central Poland. Among the 14 main varieties grown are Royal Gala, Golden Delicious, Szampion, and Jonaprince, most of which are grown commercially.