Catalonia authorizes Harvista for apples; European organic supply stable, export prices fall

Spanish authorities have granted Catalonia's apple growers exceptional approval to use Harvista™ to delay harvest and extend storage in the 2026 season. Meanwhile, European export prices for dessert apples have fallen due to higher supply and weaker international demand.

The Ministry of Agriculture in Spain granted a special authorization for the use of Harvista™ (1-MCP) on apple and pear orchards in Catalonia. The permit covers applications from July 1 to October 28, 2026, allowing growers to slow fruit maturation and reduce premature drop. This aims to help producers cope with accelerated ripening linked to climate change and improve postharvest storage and fruit quality for export.

Across Europe, the end of the 2025/26 apple season has seen a clear decline in export prices for dessert apples. First-class dessert apple purchase prices averaged €0.34/kg (1.46 PLN/kg) in late June and early July, about 10% lower than a month earlier. Standard varieties in the European export offer decreased by 7–9%. For popular export types such as Gala and Red Delicious, prices did not drop significantly compared to the previous month due to already reduced supply and earlier price corrections in spring.

European wholesale and export markets reported lower buyer demand, both within Europe and for overseas shipments. Larger-than-expected supplies, including from producers who delayed selling, contributed to the price decrease. Fewer high-value varieties in circulation also lowered the average price level. Exports to distant markets declined further as stocks remained ample in Europe.

In the organic segment, Italy's VIP Val Venosta continues to supply high-quality organic apples in summer, maintaining characteristics similar to freshly harvested fruit due to Alpine growing conditions and strict quality protocols. The company highlights consistent supply and storage stability until the arrival of the new harvest, supporting the premium organic market across Europe.

US-based Honeybear Brands projects uninterrupted supply of organic apples to Europe and other markets, focusing on main varieties such as Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, Granny Smith, and Pink Lady. The company coordinates crop planning and logistics between Northern and Southern Hemisphere growers to meet rising organic demand and ensure year-round availability for European retailers.

Material prepared by the editorial team of fresh-market.info, editor Artur Spiker