Logos Press previously reported that an audit conducted ahead of the forum revealed that Moldova’s exports to India were well below the symbolic one million dollars (229,000 euros). Apples accounted for one-fifth of that total.
This amounts to just under 400 metric tons for the entire period, from 2023 to the present. Of this volume, about two-thirds consisted of trial shipments, subject to strict phytosanitary controls, through a single point of entry (the Nava Sheva terminal at the Indian port of Mumbai). However, in February 2025, the Indian Ministry of Agriculture completed all necessary procedures and included Moldova on the list of countries approved for regular apple shipments through all “points of entry.” As a result, in March of that same year, the first commercial shipment of apples was sent from Moldova to the Indian market— under standard (non-test) conditions.
Unfortunately, this story has not yet had much of a follow-up. As Iurie Fala explained to Logos Press, after the war in the Middle East began, shipments of Moldovan apples (as well as all agricultural products from around the world) via the Red Sea became very problematic. Consequently, sea shipments of apples from Moldova to countries in the Middle East and Southeast Asia have almost completely ceased this year. Theoretically, it remains possible to ship them via a roundabout route—through Gibraltar. However, this significantly increases transit time—from approximately 50–60 days to 70–75 days. For fruit, even when specially prepared for long-distance container transport by sea, this is a major and costly risk. Nevertheless, business—like flowing water or a stubborn will to survive—will find a way. Perhaps even before the end of the wars and logistical instability.
In the meantime, the Moldova-India forum presented the latest data on the potential of Moldova’s fruit industry. In 2025, the country exported 269,000 metric tons of fruit, including 107,000 metric tons of apples (from last year’s harvest), 70,400 metric tons of plums, 65,000 metric tons of table grapes, 12,450 metric tons of sweet cherries, and more than 10,000 metric tons of dried plums. At the same time, nominally (potentially, if all circumstances align favorably), the country is capable of supplying foreign markets with approximately 140,000 metric tons of apples, 85,000 metric tons of plums, 75,000 metric tons of grapes, and 20,000 metric tons of sweet cherries.
Forecast on the Eve of the 2026/27 Apple Season
In an interview with Logos Press at the beginning of summer, one of the state secretaries at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Industry (MAIA) stated that Moldova’s 2025 apple harvest would be no less than last year’s. This was the first, very cautious forecast. Last year, the total apple harvest—from both commercial orchards and small “backyard” gardens—amounted to 447,000 metric tons, according to expert estimates (according to official statistics, 414,000 metric tons from commercial orchards).
Representatives of “Moldova Fruct” are optimistic. This week, they are expected to complete the collection and processing of data from the regions; based on the results of this work, they will formulate a forecast for the main annual international forum, Prognos Fruit, organized by the World Apple and Pear Association (WAPA). This year, the event will take place August 5–7 in Germany.
