Since 2016, organic pome fruit production in Belgium has depicted a general upward trajectory. From a lower base of 3.52 thousand metric tons in 2016, the production increased steadily, reaching 7.74 thousand metric tons in 2023. Notably, production witnessed a significant surge between 2018 and 2019, with year-on-year growth rates at 20.79% and 11.38% respectively. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the past five years stood at 11.95%, reflecting sustained interest and investment in organic pome fruits. Year-on-year growth has seen a gradual decline, pointing towards market stabilization.
Looking forward, the forecast indicates continued growth in production, albeit at a slower projected CAGR of 5.92% from 2024 to 2028. This deceleration is expected as the market matures. By 2028, production is forecasted to reach 11.28 thousand metric tons, marking a cumulative growth of 33.31% over five years.
Future trends to watch include:
- Potential market saturation and the need for diversification.
- Consumer preference shifts towards organic produce.
- Impact of climate change on agricultural production.
- Advancements in organic farming techniques.
