четвер, груд. 12, 2024

Shipping Sweetness: What Drives Italy’s Apple Export Market?

ZIM Italy Special and Refrigerated Cargo Specialist
cravanzola.luca@zim.com

When it comes to global exports, Italy is a powerhouse that extends far beyond its iconic wine and pasta. The country plays a significant role in the fresh produce market, exporting kiwis, pears, and even frozen specialties like pizza and pasta to tables worldwide. Among this impressive lineup, one fruit shines particularly bright – the apple.

Italian apples have carved out a lasting global impression. In fact, Italy’s apple industry is considered the most stable among its agricultural sectors, with a strong presence both domestically and abroad. As the second-largest producer of apples in the European Union, just behind Poland, Italy supplies a substantial portion of the global market.

Each year, Italy produces 2.2 million tons of apples, representing a significant 20% of the EU’s total apple production. While 60% of these apples are enjoyed locally, around 860 thousand tons are exported to international markets.

Each year, Italy produces 2.2 million tons of apples, representing a significant 20% of the EU’s total apple production. While 60% of these apples are…

A Growing Heartland

The apple harvest season, which runs from October to March, brings popular varieties like Marlene, Pink Lady and Golden Delicious.

While apple orchards are spread throughout the country, the Bolzano province in the Trentino region is the heart of Italy’s apple production. With its fertile soils, ideal climate, and advanced cultivation techniques, the region offers perfect growing conditions.

To preserve their signature crunch and flavor, apples are transported under controlled conditions – typically at 1 to 2°C – to ensure they arrive as fresh as the day they were picked.

Fun Fact:

A 40’ Reefer Container can hold: 20 tons of apples.
That’s equivalent to: almost 115,000 apples!

Growing Export Volumes: 2023 vs. 2024

Italy’s apples are in high demand among its neighboring countries such as Spain, France, and Germany, which receive the majority of inland shipments. However, distant markets in South America, North America, and the Mediterranean have also become key destinations for ZIM Italy’s ocean exports, which has grown into a major success story.

ZIM Italy’s apple shipments have soared in recent years, with 2024 seeing a notable 44% increase in volume compared to 2023. This growth reflects ZIM Italy’s ability to meet international standards and expand into new markets, like South America, while maintaining steady demand across Europe and the Mediterranean. Even during the summer period, ZIM’s robust logistics network, supported by the ADX (Adriatic Express Service), SAM (South America-Mediterranean Service) and TYR (Tyrrhenian Container Line) services, ensure fresh, direct shipments to these destinations.

“There’s a voice, a face, a person behind every interaction.”

While the apple harvest season may last only a few months, ensuring that each product maintains its excellent quality and optimal shelf life is a year-round commitment.

ZIM Italy’s growth in this sector isn’t just about moving world-class produce, but about understanding and anticipating customer needs. ZIM Italy has built a dedicated reefer customer service team to oversee every step of the refrigerated shipping process – whether addressing technical issues, ensuring the cargo’s integrity, or prevent delays.

As Luca Cravanzola, ZIM Italy Special and Refrigerated Cargo Specialist emphasizes, “What customers appreciate most is the personal touch. Whether they need to follow up on an open booking, or ask about shipment details, behind the scenes, there’s always someone dedicated to managing the process from start to finish and ensuring follow-up once the cargo reaches its destination.”