Top 15 Most Popular Fruits in The World
Top 15 Most Popular Fruits
in The World– Based on data from Food
and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations (UN), there are 15 are
most popular in the world of 2023. 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 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 cause 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 2021, 2022 and 2023, 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 the consumption
of the fruit. So, it can indicate that these fruits are indispensable for human
life. Here is a ranking of 15 Most Popular Fruit in The World. These fruits are
hugely popular because they are planted and harvested in large areas around the
world.
Table Ranking 15 Most Popular Fruits in The World in 2023, 2022, and 2021
|
Rank |
Kind of Fruits |
World Production in 2021 |
World Production in 2022 |
World Production in 2023 |
|
(Tons) |
(Tons) |
(Tons) |
||
|
1 |
Tomato |
189,133,955 |
186,628,501 |
192,317,973 |
|
2 |
Banana |
124,978,578 |
135,505,239 |
139,277,894 |
|
3 |
Watermelon |
101,634,719 |
103,043,171 |
104,932,071 |
|
4 |
Apple |
93,144,358 |
95,610,870 |
97,339,338 |
|
5 |
Grapes |
73,524,196 |
78,207,397 |
72,486,522 |
|
6 |
Orange |
75,567,951 |
68,479,157 |
69,845,563 |
|
7 |
Mango and Guava |
57,011,282 |
60,504,953 |
61,107,091 |
|
8 |
Pineapple |
28,647,865 |
29,574,167 |
29,636,619 |
|
9 |
Peach |
24,994,353 |
26,400,600 |
27,077,873 |
|
10 |
Pear |
25,658,713 |
26,314,506 |
26,507,458 |
|
11 |
Pumpkin |
23,783,936 |
23,562,138 |
23,681,834 |
|
12 |
Papaya |
14,097,721 |
13,939,099 |
14,232,583 |
|
13 |
Plum |
12,014,481 |
12,564,237 |
12,489,827 |
|
14 |
Strawberries’ |
9,175,384 |
10,247,395 |
10,485,454 |
|
15 |
Dates |
9,656,377 |
9,304,183 |
9,661,174 |
|
Source: FAO Statistical Database (FAOSTAT), FAO, 2025 |
||||
Brief Description of 15 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. Looking 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 2023, the total
production of tomatoes reached 192 million tons, making tomatoes the most
popular fruit in the world. According to the rank of countries, there are 5
largest tomato-producing countries namely China, India, Turkey, the United
States and Egypt. With its large production, tomatoes are widely processed for
human consumption products such as sauces. In addition, tomatoes also can be
consumed directly in fresh form because they have many vitamins that can
nourish the 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. Taxonomically, bananas belong to the Division: Spermatophyta;
Subdivision: Angiosperms; Class: Monocotyledonae;
Family: Musaceae; Genus: Musa; Species: Musa spp.
Bananas are a very indispensable fruit which contains a great source of vitamins and minerals. Until now, bananas have been one of the most popular fruits in the world. Functionally, bananas can be consumed fresh, processed into various products such as banana sale, banana flour, and fried bananas. Banana peels can also be used to make vinegar through the fermentation process of alcohol and vinegar. The various benefits of bananas make this plant become favorite one. 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 2023, based on data from FAO, the world’s banana production reached 139 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 of 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 2023, based on data from
FAO, watermelon production in 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 this is one of the most popular fruits because
of its characterictics 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, many people consumed apples directly or in fresh condition. 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. Furthermore, some people also processed it into some derivative products such as apple chips, or apple jam. Statistically, in 2023, based on data from FAO, apple production in worldwide reached 97.3 million tons with the largest apple-producing countries namely China, the United States, Türkiye, Poland, and India.
5. Orange
Oranges are one of the
popular fruits that are rich in Vitamin C as we know. 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. Until now, orange is one of
the most popular fruits with various benefits. Commonly, there are some popular
oranges cultivars and some of the popular are Navel, Cara Cara, Blood
Orange, Tangelos, Tangerine, Velencia, Mandarins, Clementines, Seville, and
others. In 2023, based on data from FAO, citrus production worldwide reached 69.8
million tons with the largest orange-producing countries namely Brazil, China,
India, the United States, and Mexico.
6. Grapes
Grapes are shrubs plants.
Historically, the vine came from in Armenia, but grape cultivation has spread
across in 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, and a lot of wine is consumed directly in fresh.
Specifically, the most Cultivated Grapes are 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
74 million tons with the world’s largest wine-producing countries in 2023
namely China, Italy, United States, Spain, and France.
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 2023 reached 61 million tons. India, China, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Mexico are some countries with huge production of Mangoes and Guava in 2023.
In the World, several popular mango
cultivars are Alphonso, Kesar, Dasheri, Banganapalli, Himsagar, Totapuri,
Manalagi, Arumanis, golek, and others. Menawhile, 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. Pineapple
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 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 29.6 million tons. In the year of 2023,
the largest pineapple-producing countries in the world are Costa Rica, the
Philippines, Brazil, Indonesia, and China.
9.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 2023, world’s peach production reached 27.0
million tons with the largest peach-producing countries namely China, Spain,
Italy, Greece, and Turkey.
10.Pear
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 popular pears,
namely Green and Red Anjou, Bartlett, Seckel, Bosc, Comice, Asian Pears,
Starkrimson, Forelle, Concorde, William. Taxonomically, the biological
classification of pear is in the Division: Magnoliophyta;
Class: Magnoliopsida; Order: Rosales; Family: Rosaceae;
Genus: Pyrus.
Based on data from FAO,
the United Nations, in 2023, world pear production reached 26.5 million tons
with the largest pear producing countries namely China, the United States,
Argentina, Turkey, and Italy.
11.Pumpkin
In USA, Pumpkin fruits are
one of the world’s most popular fruits. Culturally, in USA, it embodies the
spirit of Halloween. 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. The characteristics
are the same as watermelon. Taxonomically, this plant is still a relative with
melon (Cucumis melo) and cucumber (Cucumis sativum). According to
FAO data, the United Nations, in 2023, pumpkin production worldwide reached 23.6
million tons with the largest pumpkin producing countries namely China,
Ukraine, Russia, Spain, and Mexico.
12. 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 2023, papaya production in worldwide reached 14.2
million tons with the largest pumpkin producing countries namely India,
Dominican Republic, Brazil, Mexico, and Indonesia.
13. Plum
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 snack, dessert,
and jellies. Statistically, according to the data of FAO, the United
Nations, in 2023, plum production in worldwide reached 12.0 million tons with
the largest plum producing countries namely China, Romania, Serbia, Chile, and
Iran.
14. Dates
The date palm/fruits (Phoenix
dactylifera L.) is one of the oldest cultivated plants which been used as
food for 6000 years (Amer,1994) and was cultivated since 4000 B.C. Commonly,
there are some popular dates and some of them 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 2023, date palm production in worldwide reached 9.6
million tons with the largest date palm producing countries namely Egypt, Saudi
Arabia, Iran, Algeria, and Iraq.
15. 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, strawberry
can be classified into order of Rosales, Family of Rosaceae, and Genus of
Fragaria. 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 2023, the world’s strawberry production reached 10.4
million tons with the largest date-producing countries namely China, the United
States, Mexico, Turkey, and Egypt.
The Summary of 15 World’s Most Popular Fruits in 2023 and 2022
Bibliography of 15 World’s Most Popular Fruits in 2023
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 offood 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]).