EU apple crop forecast at 9.5 million tonnes as Hungary looks for processing imports
The EU apple harvest is forecast at 9.5 million tonnes in 2026, around 16% below last season and the lowest level in nine years. Hungary is facing one of the sharpest shortages, with processing plants expected to seek industrial apples from abroad.
Commercial activity in apples is increasing in Eastern Europe and Central Asia as new-season supply expands. In week 33, the number of apple sellers continued to rise on regional trading platforms, while Kazakhstan’s Almaty region is expected to harvest around 100,000 tonnes and Ukraine has already raised apple exports to more than 22,000 tonnes.
Hungary’s 2026 apple crop is forecast at only 135,000 tonnes, compared with a production potential of about 500,000 tonnes. Local industry sources describe yields at around 10% of potential after April and May frosts, with additional losses linked to July drought. The country’s seven largest processors have a combined capacity of up to 5,500 tonnes per day and 400,000 tonnes per season.
Hungarian processors are therefore expected to import industrial apples this autumn. One Hungarian trader estimates his company alone could bring in 10,000 tonnes, with Poland mentioned as a possible supply origin. No Hungarian purchase prices had been set at the time of reporting; freight by tipper trucks was estimated at PLN 0.35-0.40/kg, equal to about €0.08-0.09/kg.
Across the EU, WAPA forecasts apple production at 9.5 million tonnes, down 15.6-16% year on year and 14% below the three-year average. France is expected at about 1.2 million tonnes, down 24%, Germany at 1.0 million tonnes, down 10-11%, Belgium down 25% and the Netherlands down 17%. Italy is comparatively stable at 2.3 million tonnes, down 2%, while Spain is forecast up 7.5-8% and Greece close to 300,000 tonnes, up 53%.
By variety, the EU crop reduction is concentrated in major commercial categories. Golden Delicious is forecast down 11%, Gala down 8-9%, Red Delicious down 5%, Granny Smith down 4%, and Cripps Pink down 7%. Fuji is broadly stable at around +0.5-1%, while newer varieties are expected to rise 9% to nearly 700,000 tonnes.
Quality and availability are being shaped by weather damage in several producing regions. EU forecasts point to slightly smaller calibres than last year and an earlier harvest in many countries. In Belgium, a May hailstorm in parts of Flanders caused heavy damage to apples, sending a large share of fruit toward processing or alternative local sales rather than standard dessert channels.
Material prepared by the editorial team of fresh-market.info, editor Artur Spiker · Illustrative image generated by AI