How should apples be packed to minimize damage?

Apples should be placed in padded bags, sacks or sturdy plastic crates that have soft bases and sides. Overloading crates should be avoided, and crates must be uniform and strong enough to withstand stacking.

What defects should I inspect for when receiving fresh apples?

Inspect for insect damage such as moth or leafroller injury, signs of bitter pit (small dark pits), apple scab lesions, and any mould‑related defects that could indicate patulin risk.

How is patulin contamination controlled in apple juice production?

Patulin risk is reduced by excluding mould‑damaged fruit, washing apples with ozone solutions, pressing the fruit promptly after picking, and testing juice for patulin before it is released for packaging.

Apple

Apple is a fresh fruit commodity harvested from cultivated orchards and traded as fresh apples for direct consumption and processing.

Prices, specifications and international trade for apple under HS 080810.

Apple Price

$1,403USD/t

Published reference · Jul 1, 2026

Apple Historical Unit Values

Apple is quoted in USD/t at ITA. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.

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Apple Exports and Imports

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Italy led reported apple exports in 2025, at $1.4B.

Compare apple exporting countries

Apple Specifications and Quality

Apple grading factors include Firmness, Colour, and Size.

Grading Factors

Quality assessment for apple considers Firmness, Colour, and Size.

Firmness
Measures the resistance of the flesh to pressure; buyers use it to assess maturity and handling durability.
Colour
Visual attribute characteristic of the variety and growing area; indicates ripeness and market class.
Size
Based on diameter or weight; ensures uniformity within a package and compliance with class tolerances.
Refractometric index (Brix)
Indicates soluble solids content; used to verify minimum maturity for certain grades.

Common Defects

Recorded defects for apple include Insect damage, Bitter pit, and Apple scab.

Insect damage
Physical injury from moths, leafrollers or other insects that can cause bruising or entry points for pathogens.
Bitter pit
Calcium deficiency disorder that appears as small, dark pits; more common in high humidity areas.
Apple scab
Fungal disease causing lesions on skin and fruit, often linked to low temperature and moisture conditions.
Patulin contamination
Mycotoxin produced by mouldy apples; can persist in juice if infected fruit is used.

Apple Facts and HS Code

Apple belongs to fresh fruit within produce, nuts, spices and food ingredients. Its customs classification covers HS 080810.

Apple HS Code

Category	Fresh fruit — Produce, nuts, spices and food ingredients
HS codes	080810
Quoted in	USD/t
Reference location	ITA

Production & Handling

Apple storage guidance: Apples are stored in refrigerated conditions and packed in padded bags, sacks or sturdy crates to protect against bruising, moisture and temperature damage.

Production and Storage

Temperature regime	Chilled
Storage conditions	Apples are stored in refrigerated conditions and packed in padded bags, sacks or sturdy crates to protect against bruising, moisture and temperature damage.
Processing steps	Harvest Sorting and grading Packing Refrigerated transport

Packaging

Typical apple packaging includes Padded bags or sacks, Plastic crates, and Sales packages (≤5 kg).

Padded bags or sacks
Soft‑based containers that reduce impact damage during handling and transport.
Plastic crates
Uniform, strong crates that allow stacking and protect fruit from crushing.
Sales packages (≤5 kg)
Small mixed‑variety packs where uniform quality and visible representation of contents are required.

Uses & Risks

Apple uses, related products and documented risks.

Uses and Related Commodities

Standards	codex CXC 50-2003 — Code of Practice for the Prevention and Reduction of Patulin Contamination in Apple Juice and Apple Juice Ingredients in Other Beverages
Leading origins	China, France, India, Iran, Italy, Poland, Russia, Türkiye, United States, Uzbekistan

Sourcing risks

Risk	Category	Severity	Mitigation
Patulin contamination Food safetyHigh Mould‑produced mycotoxin can persist in juice made from infected apples.	Food safety	High	Exclude mould‑damaged fruit, wash with ozone solutions, and test juice for patulin levels before release.
Apple scab DiseaseMedium Fungal infection produces lesions that affect appearance and marketability.	Disease	Medium	Fungicide programs timed from green tip to pink stage and use of resistant cultivars.
Insect damage PestMedium Moth and leafroller infestations can cause fruit thinning, bruising and entry points for pathogens.	Pest	Medium	Integrated pest management, timely insecticide applications and removal of damaged fruit.

Apple Questions

How should apples be packed to minimize damage?: Apples should be placed in padded bags, sacks or sturdy plastic crates that have soft bases and sides. Overloading crates should be avoided, and crates must be uniform and strong enough to withstand stacking.
What defects should I inspect for when receiving fresh apples?: Inspect for insect damage such as moth or leafroller injury, signs of bitter pit (small dark pits), apple scab lesions, and any mould‑related defects that could indicate patulin risk.
How is patulin contamination controlled in apple juice production?: Patulin risk is reduced by excluding mould‑damaged fruit, washing apples with ozone solutions, pressing the fruit promptly after picking, and testing juice for patulin before it is released for packaging.