European apple harvest shrinks 15.6%, trade activity rises in Eastern Europe

European apple production for 2026 is forecast at 9.50 million tonnes, down 15.6% year-on-year, driving increased trading activity and potential shifts in export flows.

The 2026 European apple crop is expected to reach 9.50 million tonnes, marking a 15.6% decline from 2025 and registering as the continent’s second-lowest output in a decade. Major EU producing countries report significant reductions: Hungary is down 20%, France 24%, Germany 10%, and Romania 2.7%. Italy remains stable (-2%), while Spain is the only major grower anticipating an increase (+7.5%).

Varietal declines are also noted: Golden Delicious is forecast to drop by 11%, Gala by 8%, Red Delicious by 5%, and Cripps Pink by 7%. Only Fuji remains nearly unchanged (+0.5%). The lower supply is attributed to adverse weather conditions affecting key producing regions unevenly.

In the Benelux countries, localised hailstorms in May caused severe damage to apple orchards, particularly in northern Belgium and the Netherlands. Some Dutch growers, such as in Gelderland, report up to 70% of their Red Boskoop apples as damaged. Offers for these apples are being made to Polish buyers at €0.25/kg (converted from 1.08 PLN/kg), not including transport or crates. With logistics added, the delivered price to Poland may exceed €0.46/kg (2.00 PLN/kg).

Eastern European apple trading is gaining momentum as seasonal supply rises. Kazakhstan’s Almaty region anticipates a harvest of approximately 100,000 tonnes. Ukraine has increased apple exports to over 22,000 tonnes, despite logistical challenges caused by disruptions in the Persian Gulf. Ukrainian exporters have rerouted shipments to the Gulf via Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and are trialling direct land transport to Dubai. These changes have increased logistics costs for a 20-tonne shipment by several thousand US dollars, affecting competitiveness in distant markets.

Seller activity for apples is up in regional trade platforms, with notable participation from Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Egypt. The increased supply and trade activity in these countries may influence apple availability and pricing for importing countries such as Poland.

Material prepared by the editorial team of fresh-market.info, editor Artur Spiker · Illustrative image generated by AI