Apple production refers to the annual production output of apples, measured in tonnes or metric tons. The indicator presents country-level apple production statistics and time series, with values reported for each year in the selected period.
South Africa Apple Production was 1,328 Thousand Tonnes in 2024, up 10.7% on 2023. Apple production in South Africa represents an important agricultural and economic indicator, reflecting trends in the country’s horticulture sector, export capacity, rural employment, and contribution to food supply chains. The data shows apple production measured in thousand tonnes from 2015 to 2024, highlighting changes in output levels over the decade.
South Africa Apple Production moved from 934.4 Thousand Tonnes in 2015 to 1,328 Thousand Tonnes in 2024 (+42.1%), an average of +4% a year. The series high was 1,328 Thousand Tonnes in 2024 and the low 829.6 Thousand Tonnes in 2018.
The gap between the series high (2024) and low (2018) is 497.9 Thousand Tonnes. The sharpest single-year move was +15% in 2021.
Among the 33 countries in this dataset, South Africa ranks 11 for 2024, behind China (51,285 Thousand Tonnes) and U.S. (4,923 Thousand Tonnes). It accounts for 1.4% of the global total in 2024.
Full series
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Thousand Tonnes.
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| Year | Thousand Tonnes | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024Peak | 1,328 | +10.7% |
| 2023 | 1,199 | −2.7% |
| 2022 | 1,232 | +7.2% |
| 2021 | 1,149 | +15% |
| 2020 | 998.8 | +11.5% |
| 2019 | 895.4 | +7.9% |
| 2018 Trough | 829.6 | −10.7% |
| 2017 | 929 | +1.4% |
| 2016 | 916.1 | −2% |
| 2015 | 934.4 | — |
Regional context
Apple Production by country, 2024, Thousand Tonnes. South Africa is highlighted.
Data definition
Apple Production — Apple production refers to the annual production output of apples, measured in tonnes or metric tons. The indicator presents country-level apple production statistics and time series, with values reported for each year in the selected period. It represents the quantity of apples harvested within a country under the relevant agricultural crop classification. Statistics are compiled from international agricultural databases and national agricultural reporting systems, including sources such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and official country data where available. The figures represent total apple production within the selected country and may include different apple varieties classified under the overall apple crop category.
The data includes harvested apple production from agricultural activities for commercial and farming purposes. It covers apples produced within the selected country and includes all apple varieties reported under the apple crop classification. The statistics account for annual harvested output and provide country-level production estimates across the selected time period. Data may incorporate official national reporting, agricultural surveys, and international estimates where direct reporting is unavailable.
The data excludes production of other fruits, nuts, and crops outside the apple category. It does not measure apple exports, imports, domestic consumption, processing volumes, storage quantities, market prices, or economic value. Differences may occur between sources due to variations in data collection methods, estimation techniques, reporting practices, harvested area assessments, yield calculations, and seasonal adjustments.
Apple Production — Apple production refers to the annual production output of apples, measured in tonnes or metric tons. The indicator presents country-level apple production statistics and time series, with values reported for each year in the selected period. It represents the quantity of apples harvested within a country under the relevant agricultural crop classification. Statistics are compiled from international agricultural databases and national agricultural reporting systems, including sources such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and official country data where available. The figures represent total apple production within the selected country and may include different apple varieties classified under the overall apple crop category.
During this period, South Africa’s apple production demonstrated an overall upward trend, although fluctuations occurred due to variations in climate conditions, market demand, input costs, and agricultural productivity.
In 2015, apple production stood at approximately 934.4 thousand tonnes, followed by a slight decline in 2016 to 916.1 thousand tonnes. Production remained relatively stable in the following years, reaching 929.0 thousand tonnes in 2017 and declining further to 829.6 thousand tonnes in 2018, which marked the lowest production level during the period. This decline may be associated with unfavorable weather conditions, including drought impacts, which affected agricultural output in several regions.
From 2019 onwards, South Africa experienced a strong recovery in apple production. Output increased to 895.4 thousand tonnes in 2019 and continued growing to 998.8 thousand tonnes in 2020. The positive momentum continued between 2021 and 2024, with production rising from 1,148.8 thousand tonnes in 2021 to 1,327.5 thousand tonnes in 2024, representing the highest level recorded in the dataset. This growth indicates improvements in orchard management, expansion of cultivated areas, technological adoption, and stronger export opportunities.
The consistent rise in apple production contributes positively to South Africa’s agricultural GDP, supports employment in farming and related industries, and strengthens its position as a major fruit exporter, particularly to international markets. However, future production growth remains dependent on managing climate risks, water availability, production costs, and global market conditions. Overall, the apple production trend reflects a resilient and expanding agricultural sector, making it a significant macroeconomic indicator for evaluating South Africa’s agricultural performance and economic development.
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Apple production refers to the annual production output of apples, measured in tonnes or metric tons. The indicator presents country-level apple production statistics and time series, with values reported for each year in the selected period. It represents the quantity of apples harvested within a country under the relevant agricultural crop classification. Statistics are compiled from international agricultural databases and national agricultural reporting systems, including sources such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and official country data where available. The figures represent total apple production within the selected country and may include different apple varieties classified under the overall apple crop category.
South Africa Apple Production was 1,328 Thousand Tonnes in 2024, up 10.7% on 2023.
South Africa Apple Production moved from 934.4 Thousand Tonnes in 2015 to 1,328 Thousand Tonnes in 2024 (+42.1%), an average of +4% a year. The series high was 1,328 Thousand Tonnes in 2024 and the low 829.6 Thousand Tonnes in 2018.
The highest value was 1,328 Thousand Tonnes in 2024 and the lowest was 829.6 Thousand Tonnes in 2018.
Included: The data includes harvested apple production from agricultural activities for commercial and farming purposes. It covers apples produced within the selected country and includes all apple varieties reported under the apple crop classification. The statistics account for annual harvested output and provide country-level production estimates across the selected time period. Data may incorporate official national reporting, agricultural surveys, and international estimates where direct reporting is unavailable. Excluded: The data excludes production of other fruits, nuts, and crops outside the apple category. It does not measure apple exports, imports, domestic consumption, processing volumes, storage quantities, market prices, or economic value. Differences may occur between sources due to variations in data collection methods, estimation techniques, reporting practices, harvested area assessments, yield calculations, and seasonal adjustments.
The series is sourced from Our World in Data (https://ourworldindata.org/explorers/global-food?tab=table&Food=Apples&Metric=Production&Per+capita=false&country=USA~DEU~FRA~GBR~BRA~ZAF%3BhideControls). It covers 2015–2024 and is reported in Thousand Tonnes.
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