Top 17 World's Most Popular Fruits
Top 17 Most Popular Fruits in The World
Top 17 Most Popular Fruits in
The World– Based on data from Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the
United Nations (UN) in 2026, there are 17 are most popular in the world by 2024. Basically, everyone in the world probably knows some of
this fruit and all humans still need and consumes of these fruits.
So far, fruits are known as natural products that
are rich in healthy nutrients. Many humans on earth depend on fruits to take
care of their health and life because it gives additional vitamins or energy to the human body and therefore, it keeps the body healthy amid our
strenuous activity. Statistically, many countries are competing to produce
fruit. In addition to health and nutritious functions, fruit can also be an
economic commodity for every country because it is very profitable to some
countries because of human needs. Thousands to
millions of tons of fruit are traded (export-import) between countries with a
value of million dollars. Of course, the agribusiness of fruits is still a
prospective opportunity as an economic source for farmers, traders, and
governments. Financially, it will have high economic sustainability in the
future because all people around the world still need fruit for their lives.
The Food Agriculture
Organization (FAO) of the United Nation (UN) in its report through the FAO
Statistical Database 2022, 2023, and 2024, stated that there were diverse types
of fruit that were produced the most in the world. This
production figure shows the consumption ratio. The higher the fruit production,
the higher consumption of the fruit. So, it can indicate that these fruits are
indispensable for human life. Here is a ranking of 15 Most Popular Fruits in The World. These fruits are hugely popular because they
are planted and harvested in large areas around the world.
Table Ranking 17 Most Popular Fruits in The World in 2024, 2023, and 2022.
|
Rank |
Kind of Fruits |
World Production in 2022 |
World Production in 2023 |
World Production in 2024 |
|
(Tons) |
(Tons) |
(Tons) |
||
|
1 |
Tomato |
186,628,501 |
192,317,973 |
188,498,383 |
|
2 |
Banana |
135,505,239 |
139,277,894 |
139,413,684 |
|
3 |
Watermelon |
103,043,171 |
104,932,071 |
104,959,426 |
|
4 |
Apple |
95,610,870 |
97,339,338 |
97,880,076 |
|
5 |
Grapes |
78,207,397 |
72,486,522 |
75,904,986 |
|
6 |
Oranges |
68,479,157 |
69,845,563 |
67,244,550 |
|
7 |
Mango and Guava |
60,504,953 |
61,107,091 |
62,211,834 |
|
8 |
Pumpkins |
23,562,138 |
23,681,834 |
34,584,404 |
|
9 |
Pineapples |
29,574,167 |
29,636,619 |
29,372,685 |
|
10 |
Cantaloupes / Melon |
28,631,367 |
28,303,648 |
28,249,767 |
|
11 |
Peaches and Nectarines |
26,400,600 |
27,077,873 |
27,891,645 |
|
12 |
Pears |
26,314,506 |
26,507,458 |
27,638,954 |
|
13 |
Papaya |
13,939,099 |
14,232,583 |
14,654,817 |
|
14 |
Plums |
12,564,237 |
12,489,827 |
12,692,006 |
|
15 |
Avocados |
9,581,224 |
10,672,979 |
11,226,085 |
|
16 |
Strawberry |
10,247,395 |
10,485,454 |
10,728,811 |
|
17 |
Dates |
9,304,183 |
9,661,174 |
9,946,598 |
|
Source: FAO
Statistical Database (FAOSTAT), FAO, 2026 |
||||
Brief Description of 17 Most Popular Fruit in The World
1.Tomato
Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) is a
plant from the Solanaceae family which is native to Central and South America.
Historically, the wild tomato species are believed native to western South
America along the coast and high Andes from central Ecuador, Peru, northern
Chile, and the Galapagos Islands (Bergougnoux., 2014). Taxonomically, tomato
plants belong to the Order: Solanales; Family: Solanaceae;
Genus: Solanum; Species: S. lycopersicum. Based on the taxonomy, tomato plants still have a close
relationship with chili (Capsicum annuum), eggplant (Solanum
melongena), potato (Solanum tuberosum), and tobacco (Nicotiana
tabacum). Overall, there are 7,500 tomato varieties grown for various
purposes and some of them are Slicing or globe tomatoes (used in processing or
fresh consumption), Beefsteak tomatoes (often used for
sandwiches), Plum tomatoes (used in tomato sauce and
paste), Cherry tomatoes (used whole in salad), and Grape
tomatoes (used in salad).
In 2024, the world’s total production of tomatoes
reached 188 million tons, making tomatoes the most popular fruit in the world.
According to the ranking of countries, there are 5 largest tomato-producing
countries namely China, India, Turkey, the United States and Egypt. With its
large production and cultivation areas across the nation, tomatoes are widely
processed for human consumption products such as sauces, paste, and other food
ingredients. In addition, tomatoes can also be consumed directly in fresh form
because they have many vitamins that can nourish the human body.
2. Banana
Banana is a monocot plant including the musa
genus. This plant comes from Southeast Asia (including Indonesia). From time to
time, bananas then spread to Africa (Madagascar), South America, and Central
until this plant becomes one of the most cultivated plants in the world.
Nutritionally, Bananas are a very indispensable
fruit which contains a major source of vitamins and minerals. Until now,
bananas have been one of the most popular fruits in the world. Functionally, it
can be consumed fresh, processed into various products such as banana sale,
banana flour, and fried bananas. Furthermore, banana peels can also be used to
make vinegar through the fermentation process of alcohol and vinegar. The
numerous benefits of bananas make this plant a
favorite one.
Taxonomically, bananas belong to the
Division: Spermatophyta; Subdivision: Angiosperms;
Class: Monocotyledonae; Family: Musaceae; Genus: Musa;
Species: Musa spp. Commonly, there are some popular bananas
which many people have known for it. Based on types or cultivars, these popular
bananas include Cavendish, Lady Finger, Red, Pisang Raja, Burro, Barangan, Blue
Java, Manzano, Goldfinger. In 2024, based on data from FAO, the world’s banana
production reached 139.4 million tons with the largest banana-producing
countries being India, China, Indonesia, Nigeria, Brazil, and Ecuador.
3. Watermelon
Watermelon is a fruit plant originating from dry
tropical and subtropical Africa, which then grows rapidly to various countries
such as: South Africa, China, Japan, and another part worldwide. Taxonomically, watermelon plants belong to the
Kingdom: Plantae; Division: Magnoliophyta; Class: Magnoliopsida;
Order: Cucurbitales; Family: Cucurbitaceae;
Genus: Citrullus; Species: C. lanatus.
Watermelon plants are still related to pumpkins (Cucurbitaceae), so they still have a close relationship with melons (Cucumis melo) and cucumbers (Cucumis sativus). In some countries, there are some popular cultivars of watermelon, and these are Carolina Cross, Golden Midget, Moon and stars, Cream of Saskatchewan, Melitopolski, Densuke, and others. In 2024, based on data from FAO, watermelon production worldwide reached 104.9 million tons with the largest watermelon producing countries namely China, Türkiye, India, Brazil, and Algeria. Statistically, according to FAOSTAT Database, watermelon is 3rd world’s most produced fruit, and many people love this fruit because of its characteristics of sweetness and fresh taste.
4. Apple
Apple is one of the most popular fruits in the
world and has become one of the most consumed fruits by humans. Historically,
this plant came from the Central Asian region, namely Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,
Tajikistan, and Xinjiang, China. To date, apples have grown in many areas of
the world. Climatologically, apple plants are suitable for cultivation in
colder temperatures. Furthermore, based on its taxonomy, apple plants belong to
the kingdom: Plantae; Division: Magnoliophyta;
Class: Magnolipsida; Order: Rosales; Family: Rosaceae;
Subfamily: Maloideae or Spiraeoideae;
Nation: Maleae; Genus: Malus; Species: Malus
sylvestris.
Functionally, most people consumed apples directly
or in fresh condition and apples can also be processed
into some derivative products such as apple chips, or
apple jam. Commonly, there are some popular apples which have grown in several
countries and some of them are Red Delicious, Junagold, Honeycrisp,
Fuji, Granny Smith, Braeburn, Pink Lady, Golden Delicious, McIntosh, Royal Gala.
Statistically, in 2026, based on data from FAO, apple production
worldwide reached 97.8 million tons in 2024 with the
largest apple-producing countries namely China, the United States, Türkiye,
Poland, and India.
5. Grapes
Grapes are shrub plants
belonging to the genus Vitis. Historically, the grapevine came from
Armenia, but grape cultivation has spread across
the Middle East since 4000 BC. In plant taxonomy,
vines are included in the Kingdom: Plantae; Division: Spermatophyta;
Subdivision: Angiosperms; Class: Dicotyledonae;
Order: Rhamnales; Family: Vitaceae; Genus: Vitis;
Species: Vitis vinifera, Vitis labrusca.
Functionally, grapes are widely used as wine drinks. Besides making the wine, there are Table Grapes (consumed freshly) and raisin grapes (dried grapes). Table grapes are usually consumed freshly, and raisin grapes are dried grapes reducing moisture around 15 %. Specifically, there are some cultivars/ varieties of grapes cultivated by growers or farmers in the world, namely Thompson Seedless, Concord, Moon Drops, Crimson Seedless, Black Corinth, Sweet Jubilee, Scuppernongs, Valiant, Cotton Candy, Autumn, Royal, Thomcord, Niagara, Flame Seedles, and others. Based on data from FAO, the production of grapes worldwide reaches 75.9 million tons with the world’s largest wine-producing countries in 2024 namely China, Italy, United States, Spain, and France.
6. Orange
Oranges are one of the popular fruits that are
rich in Vitamin C. Historically, this plant is an annual fruit plant
originating from Asia, namely China. The panda country is the origin where
citrus was first cultivated and developed. Until now, citrus plants have grown
broadly all around the world. In addition, taxonomically, citrus plants belong
to the Division: Spermatophyta; Subdivision: Angiosperms;
Class: Dicotyledonae; Order: Rutales; Family: Rutaceae;
Genus: Citrus; Species: Citrus sp.
Until now, oranges have been widely processed and
cultivated in the world with numerous benefits. In the biological aspect, there are some popular oranges plant cultivars or
varieties and some of the popular are Navel, Cara Cara, Blood Orange,
Tangelos, Tangerine, Velencia, Mandarins, Clementines, Seville, and
others. In 2026, based on data from FAO, citrus production worldwide reached
67.2 million tons in 2024 with the largest orange-producing countries namely
Brazil, China, India, the United States, and Mexico.
7.Mango and Guava
Mango and guava plants are favorite plants in some
areas of the earth. Many people like the consumption of fruit from this plant.
According to data from FAO, United Nations in 2024, mango and guava production
in 2024 reached 62.2 million tons. India, China, Indonesia, Pakistan, and
Mexico are some countries with huge production of Mangoes and Guava in 2024.
In the World, several popular mango cultivars are Alphonso, Kesar, Dasheri, Banganapalli, Himsagar, Totapuri, Manalagi, Arumanis, golek, and others. Meanwhile, some popular cultivars of Guava are Allahabad Safeda', 'Lucknow-49 (Sardar)', 'Banarsi', 'Apple Colour', dan 'Chittidar', Jambu Biji Merah', 'Jambu Biji Kristal', dan 'Jambu Biji Bangkok'.
8.Pumpkin
In the USA, Pumpkin fruits still
become one of the world’s most popular fruits. Culturally, in the USA, it embodies the spirit of Halloween and globally, many
people can consume fresh pumpkin, and it can be processed into the ingredients
in some dishes, namely custards, pies, and pancakes.
The pumpkin plant is a type of creeping fruit
plant that belongs to the cucurbitaceae family with the characteristics that
are the same as watermelon plants. Taxonomically, this plant is still a
relative with melon (Cucumis melo) and cucumber (Cucumis sativum).
According to FAO data, the United Nations, in 2026, pumpkin production
worldwide reached 34.5 million tons with the largest pumpkin producing
countries namely China, Ukraine, Russia, The USA, Spain, and Mexico.
9. Pineapples
Pineapple or Ananas comosus L. is a
plant that probably comes from South America. It was discovered by Europeans in
1493 on the Caribbean Island. At the end of the 16th century, the Portuguese
and Spanish introduced pineapple to the continents of Asia, Africa, and the
Pacific. Until now, it is one of the most popular fruits in the world and some
popular of pineapple’s cultivars or varieties are Smooth Cayenne,
Ripley, Red Spanish, MD2, Natal Queen, Abacaxi, Sugarloaf (Kona Sugarloaf),
Green Spanish, Delmote Gold, Roja Espanola, James Queen, Singapore Red, and
others. According to plant taxonomy, pineapple belongs to Kingdom: Plantae;
Division: Spermatophyta; Class: Angiosperms;
Order: Farinosae; Family: Bromiliaceae; Genus: Ananas;
Species: Ananas comosus L.
Statistically, the pineapple’s production
worldwide reaches 29.3 million tons. In the year of 2024, the largest
pineapple-producing countries in the world are Costa Rica, the Philippines,
Brazil, Indonesia, and China.
10. Cantaloupes/ Melon
Specifically refer to Cucumis melo,
commonly known as the "true melon", A melon is a plant of the family
Cucurbitaceae with sweet, edible, and fleshy fruit. Commonly, in botany, melons
were divided into six groups namely, Cantaloupe, Inodorus, Flexuosus, Conomon,
Chito, Dudaim, and Momordica (Munger and Robinson, 1991). Historically, the
origin of melon has also been disputed and there are arguments for melon
originating from either south Asia or Africa. Melon was first described by
Linné 1753 in Species planetarum. It is a member of the family Cucurbitaceae
represented by some 118 genera and 825 species (Jeffrey, 1990). The family
includes pumpkins, squashes, gourds, watermelons, loofah, and several weeds.
Statistically, as one of the most popular fruits in the worlds, according to
FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT) in 2026, the total production of
cantaloupes or melon reached 28.2 million tons in 2024 with China, India,
Kazakhstan Türkiye, Brazil, Italy was some of the world's biggest country producers
of Melon in 2024.
11. Peach
Peaches (Prunus persica) are succulent
fruits that grow on deciduous trees originally native to many Asian countries.
Commonly, in this world, there are some type of peach, namely Clingstone
Peaches (Flavorich, Carored, Zee Diamond, Springflame, Brittney Lane,
Goldprince, Zee Pride, Rubyprince, Fiesta Gem, Summerprince, Early Rich,
Sureprince), Semi-Clingstone Peaches (Gala, Rich Lady, Rich
Pride), Freestone Peaches (June Flame, Harvester,
Blazeprince, Sierra Rich, Fireprince, Scarlet Prince, PF-23, Julyprince, Summer
Gold, Zee Lady, Augustprince, August Lady, Valley Sweet, Fat Lady,
Flameprince), and Heirloom Peaches (Flavorcrest, Pearson
Berta, Southland, Cresthaven, Elberta, Dixiland, Monroe, O’Henry).
Peach fruit or Prunus persica is a fruiting plant from the Rosaceae family. Taxonomically, this plant belongs to the Order: Rosales; Family: Rosaceae; Genus: Prunus; Species: Prunus persica. Based on data from FAO, the United Nations, in 2024, world’s peach production reached 27.8 million tons with the largest peach-producing countries namely China, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Türkiye.
12. Pears
The pear plant is a subtropical plant that
probably comes from Western Europe, North Africa, and Asia. Commonly, there are
some popular of pears and some of the cultivated popular pears, namely Green
and Red Anjou, Bartlett, Seckel, Bosc, Comice, Asian Pears, Starkrimson,
Forelle, Concorde, William. Taxonomically, the biological classification of
pear can be included in the Division: Magnoliophyta; Class: Magnoliopsida;
Order: Rosales; Family: Rosaceae; Genus: Pyrus.
Based on data from FAO, the United Nations, in
2024, the world pear production reached 27.6 million tons with the largest pear
producing countries namely China, the United States, Argentina, Turkiye, and
Italy.
13. Papaya
The papaya plant, Carica papaya, is a
short-lived herbaceous plant native to tropical climates in the Americas. This
plant is a large tree-like plant that grows as a single, hollow stalk with
leaves and fruit at the top. In India, there are some popular varieties of
papaya. Some of the popular varieties of India’s papaya are Arka Surya,
ArkaPrabhath, Pusa Majesty, Pusa Delecious, Pusa Dwarf, Pusa Nanha, Coorg Honey
Dew, Arka Surya, Solo, Red lady, Ranchi.
Papaya is a plant which taxonomically included
into the Caricaceae family originating from Central America
and the West Indies, which is located around Mexico and Costa
Rica. Taxonomically, papaya plants belong to the Kingdom: Plantae;
Division: Spermatophyta; Subdivision; Angiosperms:
Class: Dicotyledonae; Order: Violales; Family: Caricaceae;
Genus: Carica; Species: Carica papaya L.
According to data from FAO, United Nations,
in 2024, papaya production
worldwide reached 14.6 million tons with the largest
pumpkin producing countries namely India, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Mexico,
and Indonesia.
14. Plums
Plums are believed to be one of the first fruits
domesticated by humans, and the origin of these fruits dated back to 7000 Before the
Common Era (BCE) in regions like the Caucasus Mountains and China.
Taxonomically, Plum can be classified into Order: Rosales; Family: Rosaceae;
Sub-family: Amygdaloideae, Genus: Prunus, Species: Prunus domestica. Basically,
this plant is closely related to peaches and cherries.
Based on its characteristics, plum can be
differentiated into 3 types, namely European plums (varieties
like Italian prunes, mirabelles, and Reine Claudes), Japanese plums (varieties
like Santa Rosa, Satsuma, and Beauty), and Damson plums. Commonly,
in human life, plums can be eaten fresh and some of the plums can be processed
into several products, namely jam, beverages, dried snacks, dessert, and
jellies. Statistically, according to the data of FAO, the United Nations,
in 2024, plum production in worldwide reached 12.7 million tons with the
largest plum producing countries namely China, Romania, Serbia, Chile, and
Iran.
15. Avocados
Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) is a fruit native
to Central America and can grow well in warm temperate and subtropical climates
throughout the world. Botanically, the avocado tree (Persea americana Mill.)
belongs to the family Lauraceae. The Fruit of Avocado contains many healthy
fats including oleic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid and can be eaten as
Guacamole, Toast, Salads & Bowls.
Along with the development of its cultivation and plantation spreading across many nations, Avocado plants still become one of the most cultivated fruit plants and as of 2024, the total production of avocado fruits reached 11.2 million tons. Specifically, according to the FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT) in 2026, some nations have become the world's biggest producers of Avocado fruits, namely Mexico, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Peru, Indonesia, Kenya, and Brazil.
16. Strawberries
Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) is one of
the world’s most widely distributed fruit crops which are suitable in a
temperate or subtropical climate. Taxonomically, strawberries can be classified into order of Rosales, Family of
Rosaceae, and Genus of Fragaria. Commonly, there are some popular strawberries,
namely Honeoye, Earliglow, Allstar, Ozark beauty, Chandler, Jewel,
Seascape, Tristar, Sparkle, and others. Commonly, the strawberries can be
consumed fresh and some of the strawberries can be processed into ice cream,
jam, and mixed drinks.
Based on data from FAO, the United Nations, in
2024, the world’s strawberry production reached 10.7 million tons with the
largest date-producing countries namely China, the United States, Mexico,
Turkiye, and Egypt.
17. Dates
The date palm/fruits (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is one of the oldest cultivated plants which has been used as food for 6000 years (Amer,1994) and was cultivated since 4000 B.C. Commonly, there are some popular dates cultivated in some nations and some of the popular dates plants are Barhi, Zahidi, Deglet Nour, Medjool dates, Siwa Oasis, Mazafati, Ajwa, Piarom, Halawy, Khudri. Taxonomically, date palm can be classified into the Order of Arecales, family of Arecaceae (Palm family), Genus of Phoenix, and the Species of Phoenix dactylifera L.
Functionally, as one of the most popular fruits,
Date fruits is not only consumed fresh but also it becomes the ingredients of
several cuisine in middle east country including Ma’amoul, basbousa, sticky
toffee pudding, and it can be processed into several snacks and bars, date
syrup, date paste, date juice.
Based on data from FAO, the United Nations, in
2024, date palm production
worldwide reached 9.9 million tons with the largest
date palm producing countries namely Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Algeria, and
Iraq.
The Histogram Summary of 17 World’s Most Popular Fruits in 2024, and 2023
The Table Summary of 17 World’s Most Popular Fruits in 2024
Bibliography of 17 World’s Most Popular Fruits in 2024
FAO. 2022. Crops and livestock products. Accessed
via http://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL on July
5th, 2025.
Bergougnoux, V. (2014). The history of tomatoes:
from domestication to biopharming. Biotechnology advances, 32(1), 170-189.
Amer WM (1994): Taxonomic and documentary study of food plants in Ancient Egypt. Ph.D. Thesis, CairoUniversity
(see also: Amer WM, History of Botany Part1: The Date Palm in Ancient History,
Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Egypt
[http://www.levity.com/alchemy/islam08.html]).
Munger, H.
M., & Robinson, R. W. (1991). Nomenclature of Cucumis melo L. Cucurbit
Genet Coop Rep, 14, 43-44.
Jeffrey, C. (1990). An outline classification of
the Cucurbitaceae. Biology and utilization of the Cucurbitaceae, 449-463.