European apple prices under pressure amid high stocks and shifting export flows
Excess stocks in European cold stores have pushed average ex-cold store apple prices down to €0.85/kg in May 2026, with Northern Europe experiencing the steepest declines.
According to European Commission data, the average ex-cold store price for apples across Europe in May 2026 was €0.85 per kilo, 15% lower than a year earlier and matching the five-year seasonal average. Stocks in European cold stores are up by around 30% compared to the previous year, driving fierce competition among suppliers and making it difficult to secure placements with supermarket chains. The downward price trend has continued since August 2025, following a period of historically high prices due to earlier shortages.
In Northern Europe, the average apple price in May was €0.45/kg, a 51% drop from €0.92/kg a year earlier. This sharp decline has made Northern Europe a less attractive destination for Southern Hemisphere exporters, including Argentina, who have historically relied on this market for fresh apple exports. The oversupply is expected to persist for at least two more months as significant volumes of local produce remain unsold.
Italy presents a contrasting situation, with May prices for apples at €1.04/kg, 5% higher than in May 2025 and above the five-year average. Italian growers have avoided stock accumulation by diversifying export markets, strategically managing supply, and focusing on high-demand varieties. This has ensured steady export flows, especially to markets less affected by European oversupply.
In the organic segment, VIP in Italy’s Val Venosta region continues to supply premium-quality organic apples through the summer, maintaining characteristics comparable to freshly harvested fruit. The region's microclimate and altitude contribute to storability and quality, supporting consistent availability for European retailers even at the end of the marketing season.
From the United States, Washington State apple holdings stood at approximately 35 million boxes in early June 2026, down from 38 million boxes a year before. While supply remains strong for varieties like Honeycrisp, inventories of Red Delicious and Gala are tighter due to smaller crop yields and robust early-season demand. Shipments from the Pacific Northwest are expected to continue until the new crop begins harvesting in August.
Poland, as the EU’s top apple producer and exporter, faces similar downward price pressure, with May 2026 farmgate prices at €0.59/kg—nearly 25% below the previous year. High stocks in Europe continue to impact Polish exports and exert pressure on apple prices in Eastern European markets.
Material prepared by the editorial team of fresh-market.info, editor Artur Spiker