Fruit production in the province of Bolzano: a model of agricultural excellence in Europe

Located in the heart of the Alps, the autonomous province of Bolzano in northern Italy stands out as one of Europe’s leading regions for fruit production. This success is based on a high degree of specialisation, effective collective organisation and particularly favourable natural conditions.

Fruit production in Bolzano is dominated by the cultivation of apples. The region is one of Europe’s main production centres, with over one million tonnes produced each year.

This output accounts for a significant share of Italian production and a substantial proportion of the European market.

Details of fruit production:

• Apples account for the vast majority of crops (99.8%): 17.6 ha, 1,040,000 tonnes in 2024.
• Pear cultivation is declining year on year: 43 ha, 242 tonnes in 2024.
• Small fruit cultivation: 116 ha, 812 tonnes in 2024: strawberries dominate; blueberries are on the rise.
• Stone fruit cultivation: 209 ha, 902 tonnes in 2024 (cherries are on the rise, apricots on the decline).

A structuring collective organisation

The Bolzano fruit sector is based on a particularly well-developed cooperative model. The majority of producers, often running small farms, are grouped within cooperatives that handle the collection, storage, packaging and marketing of the fruit.

This system helps to optimise costs, ensure consistent quality and strengthen bargaining power on international markets. It is a key factor in the region’s competitiveness.

Among the producer organisations in the province stand out:

• The Alpoma Producers’ Organisation,
• The Vinschgau Producers’ Organisation,
• The VOG Producers’ Organisation,
• The VOG Products Producers’ Organisation.

Operational programmes

Under the Common Market Organisation (CMO) for fruit and vegetables, in 2025, the financial aid mobilised through the implementation of operational programmes enabled the following investments:

• Packaging equipment: €8,758,000
• Extension, renovation and modernisation of storage facilities: €5,666,000
• Investments in work premises: €5,066,000
• Investments in renewable energy production facilities: €2,411,000
• Forklift trucks / Pallet trucks: €795,000
• Investments in the sorting sector: €656,000

 

To find out more about Bolzano, visit the province’s website: home.provincia.bz.it (in Italian)