Tehran - Iran exported more than one million tons of apples and related products valued at over $300 million to more than 30 countries in 2024, according to the head of the country’s Center for Agricultural Mechanization and Industries.

 

Karim Zolfaqari said 1,277 active facilities across the country are engaged in fruit grading, packaging, and processing, with a combined nominal capacity exceeding seven million tons.

 

These facilities, he said, play a vital role in reducing waste, improving quality, and enhancing the competitiveness of Iranian products in international markets.

 

The official described the global outlook for apples and their processed products as highly favorable, emphasizing that with careful planning, expansion of downstream industries, and adoption of modern technologies, Iran can capture a greater share of the growing market and significantly increase the export value of its horticultural goods.

 

Zolfaqari underlined the importance of apples as a nutritionally and medicinally valuable fruit, as well as a strategic economic crop in Iran’s horticultural sector.

 

He added that by-products such as apple juice, compote, dried apple chips, jams, and other processed goods could generate substantial added value, create sustainable jobs, and further strengthen Iran’s export position in global markets.