Argentina’s organic apple exports fall while pear exports rise

The EU (specifically the UK and Germany) and the US have been key markets for Argentina’s organic pears and apples in recent years. In 2018, 17,000 tons of organic apples were exported to global markets, down 10% from 2017, due to higher Argentine prices relative to other exporters.  While the US market for Argentine organic apples is projected to continue to grow, the rate of growth will slow as the US expands its own organic apple production.  Exports to the EU are projected to remain stable. In 2018, organic pear exports reached 28,000 tons, up 17% from 2017.

In contrast with the general decline in fruit consumption due to the downturn in the Argentine economy, there has been an upward trend in the consumption of fresh organic products, such as fruit and vegetables, especially in more affluent areas of Buenos Aires.

Organic Production

In 2018, there were 4,700 hectares (11%) of organic apples and pears in Argentina. In Rio Negro and Neuquen provinces, organic acreage fell by 27%, as the higher production costs of organic apples meant they were particularly impacted by the broader crisis affecting the fruit sector (Source: SENASA – National Service of Agricultural and Food Health and Quality).