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34 Fruit Consumption Statistics for a Refreshed 2024

Updated: December 29, 2025 by Dusan Goljic, PharmD, PM
fruit consumption

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Fruits are healthy, nutritious, and refreshing. And at the same time, they are essential for maintaining a healthy diet. 

Different fruits can be beneficial as long as you consume them in the right way. In fact, they help protect us against various diseases. 

According to research, you can get high quantities of nutrients via fruits. Hopefully, these fruit consumption statistics will help you learn more about the health benefits of fruit and the ways of the global fruit market. 

Top 10 Interesting Facts About the Global Fruit Market

  • Studies forecast the global fruit snacks market size to expand by 9.2% from 2020 to 2027
  • The global dried fruit market amounts to $8.94 billion
  • Jackfruit, durian, and rambutan are among the rarest fruits in the world
  • Approximately 39.5 million Americans have little access to fruits
  • The USDA recommends at least 1.5 and 2 cups of fruits for female and male adolescents, respectively
  • A European study found that fruit supplements are effective against inflammation and oxidative stress
  • Replacing two servings of starchy vegetables with fruits can lower the risk of heart diseases by 20–25%
  • India is the top producer and exporter of mangoes worldwide
  • The United States is the leading importer of mangoes
  • The world’s largest fruit was a pumpkin produced in 2014

Global Fruit Consumption Statistics

Discover some intriguing statistics about fruit consumption in 2020 – be it in the US or worldwide. Learn about the most popular fruit globally, the global fruit and fruit snacks market size, and the global fruit production. Also, discover the major players in the fruit market from the USA to Asia and Europe.

(BBC News)

The tomato—though often confused as a vegetable—is, in fact, a fruit. And its essential role in cuisines worldwide makes it the most consumed fruit in the world. Namely, more than 170 million metric tons of tomatoes are grown worldwide. The demand can also be attributed to cultural events like the La Tomatina festival in Spain.

2. Studies forecast the global fruit snacks market size to expand by 9.2% from 2020 to 2027.

(Grand View Research)

The market was valued at $4.92 billion in 2019. Consumers are increasingly demanding better-for-you foods, and that’s what drives the market. 

However, many people lead a busy lifestyle that makes timely access to fresh fruits a luxury. Despite this, fruit vitamin intake in 2020 was on the rise.

Furthermore, fruit snacks offer the convenience of wide availability and easy portability. 

Driving the market is also the demand for health products that are 100% organic and non-GMO. The exotic flavors are also another factor that entices many consumers.

3. Since 2010, the total global fruit market has been growing at an average of 40%.

(Fresh Plaza)

The rise in awareness of the benefits of a vegan lifestyle has fueled the growth of the global fruit trade. According to recent data on fruit consumption per capita by country, global fruit production grew from 45 to 63 million tons. 

4. Global fruit production is growing faster than the human population. 

(Fresh Plaza)

Fruit producers worldwide are fuelling production to keep up with rising demands in the global market. Currently, almost 265 pounds of fruits are available per person globally. 

5. The global dried fruit market amounts to $8.94 billion. 

(Grandview Research)

Another major contributor to the increasing fruit consumption trend is dried fruit. Contrary to popular belief, they are not unhealthy and are actually quite nutritious. Awareness about their benefits is what fuels their popularity.

6. China consumes and produces the most fruit out of 154 countries compared. 

(Fresh Plaza)

According to a survey of 154 countries, China is the number one fruit consumer in the world. It is also the leading fruit and vegetable producer globally, accounting for 39% of the global production. China’s annual fruit production is above 240.75 million metric tons.

7. Italy is the leading fruit consumer in the EU. 

(Euro News)

Around 85% of Italy’s population consumes fruit daily. On average, only 64% of the EU’s population consumes fruit regularly, making Italy’s fruit consumption rate even more astounding.

8. Latvians eat the least amount of fruit. 

(Euro News)

Latvia surpasses all EU countries in terms of low fruit consumption. Only 35% of Latvia’s population eat fruit regularly. Bulgaria and Romania share second place with 37%, which is well below the average of 64%.

9. Jackfruit, durian, and rambutan are among the rarest fruits in the world.

(TheRecipe)

The popularity of fruits has jumped by leaps and bounds over the past years, and so has the production. 

But certain kinds of fruits remain scarce worldwide. This doesn’t imply that one or more of them is the least nutritious fruit. On the contrary, they may have more nutritional and health benefits than even the most popular fruits.

Other least popular fruits worldwide include mangosteen, jabuticaba, Australian finger lime, Hala fruit, water apple, miracle berry, and sapodilla. 

Reasons for their scarcity may be the low demand for these fruits.

10. Southeast Asia is a key player in the global fruit market. 

(Fresh Plaza)

Fruit exports and imports from Southeast Asia have almost doubled in the last ten years. During this period, China alone imported 6.83 million tons of fruits and exported $7.16 billion worth of fruits. This makes China the number 1 fruit exporter in the world.

11. Low fruit and vegetable consumption is one of the leading causes of death globally.

(WHO)

Inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption is responsible for almost 2.8% (1.7 million) global deaths. Humans consume twice as much of their required protein intake and slack off on fruit and vegetables, thus missing out on other essential nutrients.

Fruit Consumption Statistics in the US

This section focuses on the US fruit market, and what fruit consumption in the country looks like. Discover statistics on fruit vitamin intake in 2020 among American adolescents and other demographics. Also, see how much fruit the United States imports and exports, the average daily servings of fruit per day, and the popularity of certain fruits in America. Lastly, there are fruit market statistics in 2020 on fruit sales in American stores compared to other food items.

12. Approximately 39.5 million Americans have little access to fruits.

(AECF)

This insight comes from food desert data which shows that a sizable minority of Americans live in low-income and low-access areas (two main conditions for preventing a healthy diet). 

Food deserts are areas where residents cannot afford or have little access to healthy foods, especially fruits.

These areas are typically characterized by small populations, many abandoned or vacated homes, and low education, income, and employment rates. 

As such, meeting the recommended fruit intake is a bridge too far for most people living in food deserts.

Black communities are the most affected, where residents may have to travel long distances to supermarkets to obtain fruits and other foods.

13.  Only 32.8% of Americans eat at least two fruit servings daily. 

(Visually)

Only 12.2% of American adults consume the recommended daily amount of fruits, and only 32.8% consume the required daily fruit intake, as shown by demographics of fruit consumption in the US. Despite America being one of the largest fruit importers, the average American’s diet is based mainly on protein. It lacks adequate fruit intake, which can lead to vitamin deficiencies or micronutrient malnutrition.

14.  In 2019, the United States fresh fruit import market grew by 77%. 

(Fresh Plaza)

Over the last ten years, the United States has emerged as a key importer of fresh fruit. The market grew by 77%, importing 3.2 million metric tons of fruits. 

The rise in fruit intake visible from the American eating habit statistics is partially fueled by the increasingly popular vegan lifestyle. 

15.  The United States is the leading exporter of dried fruit.

(US Trade Numbers, Statista)

The United States dominates the global dried fruit market. The country currently holds 17% of the overall market share; however, exports in the first three months of 2020 have declined by 8.75% as compared to last year.

(Statista)

Raisins are popular as a food ingredient and as a healthy snack throughout the United States. An important dried fruit consumption statistic is that both raisins and table dates account for over 3 million US dollars’ worth of supply every year.

17. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends at least 1.5 and 2 cups of fruits for female and male adolescents, respectively.

(CDC)

From the 2020–2025 dietary guidelines, fruits and vegetables are necessary in your diet to prevent a wide range of diseases. 

Although fruit consumption in the US is relatively high among adults, adolescents also need fruits to grow properly.

Unfortunately, only a few adolescents in the US meet these recommended quantities–only 7.1% met the recommendations in 2017. 

This can be attributed to the limited availability of fruits in some areas and unawareness regarding the benefits of fruits.

18. Fruit sales make up 47% of store sales in the United States weekly. 

(PMA)

The vegan lifestyle seems to be fuelling the demand for fruits. Changing consumer expectations also seem to be fuelling the desire to purchase fresh produce, leading to the rise in the sales of fruits. 

Health Benefits of Daily Fruit Consumption

19. A European study found that fruit supplements are effective against inflammation and oxidative stress.

(PubMed, Healthline)

Due to these characteristics, they enhance muscular contractility and minimize muscle damage. Much of the nutritional content of fruits can be isolated and packed into a tablet, capsule, powder, or liquid.

Fruit juice consumption statistics worldwide are pretty impressive, but so too are supplements statistics. It follows that where fresh fruits are scarce, supplementation can help close the gap.

(Consumer Report)

A high-fiber diet can help reduce weight and keep blood sugar in check. Getting adequate potassium is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure. The two combined with other nutrients can help prevent various diseases. It is proven that moderate but consistent fruit consumption stabilizes the symptoms of diabetes.

21. Eating fruits lowers the risk of cancer. 

(Harvard.edu)

A study that followed menopausal women found that those who ate up to three servings of fruit in their adolescence had a 25% lower risk of developing breast cancer than those who ate less. The consumption of apples, grapes, oranges, and bananas exhibited the most positive effect.

22. Replacing two servings of starchy vegetables with fruits can lower the risk of heart diseases by 20–25%.

(Consumer Report, Harvard)

High cholesterol levels bring no warning signs. Increased fruit consumption can control blood pressure and triglycerides in the body. 

Consuming more than five portions of fruit a day can reduce the risk of heart attacks by 25%. People who ate more than eight portions of fruit and vegetables a day were found to be at a 30% lower risk of stroke.

23. Eating 2–3 servings of strawberries per week can delay cognitive aging by 2–3 years, fruit consumption facts reveal.

(Consumer Report)

A 2012 Harvard study indicates that anthocyanins in fruits, especially berries, are incredibly beneficial for the brain. 

They can keep the memory sharp by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are possible causes of cell degeneration.

24. Consuming specific fruits can provide pregnant women with huge benefits.

(Healthline)

We can’t emphasize enough the benefits and necessity of taking fruits, especially among the pregnant population. 

Any nutritional deficiency in pregnant women can give rise to life-threatening complications for the mother or baby. As such, fruit and vegetable consumption is key during this stage.

A pregnant woman needs a minimum of 600 mcg of folic acid per day, of which oranges are an excellent source. 

Additionally, mangoes are a great source of vitamin C. There are also avocados rich in several vitamins, fiber, and other minerals. Other fruits beneficial to pregnant women include lemons, bananas, berries, and apples.

25. Eating fruits is the ultimate way to prevent many diseases.

(Choose My Plate)

A diet rich in fruits can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, brain damage, eye problems, digestive illnesses, cancer, and diabetes. It also helps keep your weight in check and improves overall skin and hair health. Fruits can also help you dose up on essential vitamins and nutrients.

This section provides details on the most consumed fruit in the US and around the world. It also looks at what makes these fruits so popular and by what percentage. Additionally, we delve into the global production and consumption of certain kinds of fruits. Lastly, some stats highlight American imports of certain fruits and singles out some fruit snacks due to a unique quality.

26. Pomology is an area of horticulture dealing with the production of fruits.

(InfoBloom)

Pomology encompasses everything from cultivation to the storage of fruits–especially tree fruits. Pomologists create or manage fruit orchards and sometimes work in research facilities of companies or institutions to carry out the study of fruit. 

The word “pomology” is derived from the Latin name for “an apple,” but today, it entails a lot more than just apples.

Pomologists also research fruit-bearing trees and other fruits worldwide, and they focus a great deal on developing new fruit cultivars. 

They can establish fruits with specific qualities such as flavor, hardness, size, etc. As such, they are the people to talk to if you want to start a fruit orchard or grow tree fruit.

(SFGATE)

Statistics on fruit consumption in the US reveal the majority of the country’s population consumes these five fruits. 

According to research by the Produce Marketing Association (PMA), the highest percentage of people regularly buy bananas (75%), apples (73%),  grapes (65%), strawberries (63%), and oranges (61%).

28. Bananas account for 30% of the global fruit trade. 

(SFGATE)

Bananas are pretty popular worldwide. Not only is this fruit absolutely delicious, but it’s also one of the most nutritious fruits that one can include in their diet. A medium-sized banana has only 105 calories and contains potassium, vitamin B-6, vitamin C, copper, magnesium, and many other nutrients and minerals.

29.  China accounts for 51% of global kiwi consumption, amounting to 2.3 million tons annually.

(Globe Newswire)

According to recent statistics on fruit consumption by state, China exceeds other countries in terms of kiwi consumption. Italy, which ranks second, consumes only 314,000 tons compared to China’s 2.3 million tons. 

China not only consumes the majority of the global kiwi produce, but they also produce the largest share, accounting for 50% of global kiwi production. 

30. India is the top producer and exporter of mangoes worldwide. 

(Word Atlas)

India is the leading producer of mangoes, accounting for 50% of the global mango production, which amounts to 18 million tons. 

It’s also the leading exporter of this fruit. However, a halt on exports has significantly affected the mango trade amid COVID-19.

31. The biggest fruit snack in the world is 91.44 m long.  

(Sunrypeusa)

Sunrypeusa broke a world record by creating the world’s longest fruit snack in 2011, a record that they still hold. Over 500 kids tasted the 100% edible sweet. 

The record-setting event also raised funds for KidSport Canada, which provides kids with opportunities to play organized sports.

32. Naader Rede holds the record for eating 30 bananas in one sitting.

(Record Setter)

One amazing banana consumption fact is that Naadar Rede holds the world record for eating the most bananas in one sitting, and he’s held this record since 2014. 

He ate 30 bananas in one go, according to the official banana consumption statistics. 

Although bananas are incredibly nutritious, eating this much of them can be harmful to your body, so be sure to control your portions and eat this fruit in moderation.

33. The United States is the leading importer of mangoes, fruit consumption facts reveal. 

(Tridge Intelligence)

The United States accounts for almost 20.3% of global mango imports. The country gets its mango supply from Latin America, Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, and Haiti, with Mexico being the largest supplier. 

The country ships almost 80 million boxes of mangoes to the States every year.

34. What is the biggest fruit in the world? The world’s largest fruit was a pumpkin produced in 2014.

(BBC)

The pumpkin broke the world record with a jawbreaking 1056kg weight. The benefits of pumpkin fruit consumption make them relevant regardless of their monstrous size.

The Atlantic Giant pumpkin variety commonly utilized today was believed to be the descendant of the giant pumpkin species known as the Mammoth–the leading fruit by size from 1904–1976. Such fruits are known for their high water content (98%) and little sugar.

While some people eat such giant pumpkins, they are primarily used as decorators or novelty items for racing boats. 

Researchers say that such pumpkins can grow so large due to their ability to generate a high number of phloem in them.

FAQs

What country consumes the most fruit?

Out of 154 countries, China consumes the most fruit. Its total fruit consumption amounts to 28.3% of the global consumption. They also consume the largest amount of kiwi and are leading the global fruit import and export market.

How many servings of fruit should you have per day?

The United States Department of Agriculture suggests consuming five to nine servings of fruit per day. They also recommend including a variety of fruits to gain the maximum amount of nutrients.

How many fruits are there?

There are over 2000 types of fruits in the world. A wide range of fruits is not known to the vast majority of the world. In fact, the Western world is acquainted with a meager 10% of fruit types. This article covers 34 interesting fruit consumption facts to get you acquainted with the industry.

Conclusion

Though fruit consumption trends vary by country, the benefits of consuming fruits do not. Increasing fruit intake is a must for all those seeking a healthier lifestyle. Substituting one meal of the day with fruits and vegetables can not only benefit the body but also save the environment by reducing the demand for meat.

Increasing fruit intake should be a priority purely because of the countless health benefits it provides. According to the recent fruit consumption statistics, supplementing processed food and fried snacks with healthier alternatives, such as fruits, seems to be the latest trend. 

Sources:

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