Taste the season: Eat more fruit and vegetables

Overview

In 2023, EU citizens consumed an average of 351 grams of fruit and vegetables per person per day. This falls short of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended 400 grams per day (around 5 fruit and vegetables per day). This matters for both public health and the agricultural sector.

• Eating more fruit and vegetables reduces the risk of disease and improves overall health.
• Increased consumption also supports fruit and vegetable producers across the EU.

Between 2010 and 2020, the number of EU farms producing fruit and vegetables decreased by 15%, according to Eurostat data.

EU fruit and vegetables in numbers

Fruit and vegetables are a vital part of EU agriculture and daily life. From family farms to international markets, they play a key role in both nutrition and the rural economy. Here’s a snapshot of the sector based on the latest data.

• In 2023, fruit and vegetables accounted for 12.6% of total EU agricultural production, worth around EUR 68 billion;
• The EU produced 59.8 million tonnes of vegetables (including pulses) and 41.2 million tonnes of fruits and nuts;
• Around 1.5 million farms in the EU managed fruit orchards, and about 700,000 cultivated fresh vegetables;
• A total of 3.7 million hectares of land was used for fruit production, and 2 million hectares for vegetables.

^{* including dried pulses}

Overview of global and EU fruit and vegetable production in 2023

Spotlight on EU fruit and vegetables

Let’s take a look at some of the EU’s most iconic fruits and vegetables and the countries leading their production.

Quality and origin

Fruit and vegetables sold fresh to consumers must be good quality and clearly labeled with their country of origin, as required by marketing standards. 

Conformity with marketing standards is required at all stages of marketing of fresh fruits and vegetables, including import, export and retail sales, with exceptions and exemptions in a few cases (direct deliveries by producers, local markets, donation, intended for processing), as defined in Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/2429.

Find out more about EU policy on fruit and vegetables.

Trade in fruit and vegetables

Fresh vegetables and potatoes

Fruits and nuts

Stories from the field

• 2 April 2025

Arthur and Larissa Preston: Revitalising Swainstown Farm

Meet Arthur and Larissa Preston, farmers at Swainstown Farm in Ireland, growing fresh produce, raising livestock, and promoting sustainable agriculture.

Pêra Rocha do Oeste PDO

Pêra Rocha do Oeste PDO is a sweet pear, plucked from the west coast of Portugal.

Asperges du Blayais PGI

The tender and sweet flavour of Asperges du Blayais PGI is very distinctive and makes them a very special vegetable delicacy produced in south-west France.