EU fruit imports surge to US$77B as avocados, blueberries, almonds lead demand growth

The European Union solidified its status as the world’s premier fruit importer in 2025, with purchases reaching US$77.42 billion, a 20% year-on-year increase that accounted for more than 40% of global imports in the sector.

The performance reflects the sheer size of a consumer base exceeding 440 million people who, despite robust domestic agricultural production, rely on imports to guarantee a year-round fruit supply.

In addition, the European bloc remains one of the most attractive and demanding destinations for exporting nations, with suppliers required to meet stringent standards for food safety, traceability, and quality.

For instance, countries like the Netherlands, Germany, and France serve as critical logistical hubs for distributing fruit throughout the rest of the continent.

Bananas, avocados, grapes, blueberries, and almonds accounted for 32% of the total value of EU fruit imports in 2025.

Focusing specifically on Brazilian fruit exports to the EU, the chart below shows the market share of the main categories exported in the first five months of 2026:

Main Fruit Exports to the EU | Jan-May 2026 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

To begin with, fresh bananas topped the rankings with purchases totalling US$7.65 billion, a 9% increase, with nearly 70% of supply originating in Latin America and Ecuador as the leading supplier.

Secondly, fresh avocados secured second place with imports reaching US$5.09 billion, up 11%, with Peru maintaining its lead as the primary supplier backed by consistent volume and high-quality fruit.

On the other hand, fresh grapes recorded US$4.98 billion in purchases, a 16% increase, with Italy consolidating its position as the top supplier driven by demand for premium seedless varieties.

Lastly, fresh blueberries experienced notable growth, with imports reaching US$3.91 billion, a 22% increase, reflecting their increasing integration into European consumer habits driven by health trends.

More importantly, the strong performance of avocados, blueberries, and almonds reflects changing health trends and plant-based diets, as consumers increasingly seek nutritious, versatile ingredients.

Beyond the top categories, oranges recorded US$3.10 billion in imports, followed by kiwifruit at US$2.96 billion, apples at US$2.74 billion, lemons at US$2.62 billion, and strawberries at US$2.29 billion.

Finally, the figures highlight the bloc’s need to supplement domestic production with imports to ensure a continuous, diverse year-round supply. The region remains a strategic pillar for the international agricultural trade industry.

Source: Food Business 

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