European Organic Apple Harvest Down, South African Exports Up, Prices Under Pressure
European organic apple harvest forecasts for 2026 indicate a smaller crop, while South African apple exports are rising and entering key Asian markets. Market prices for dessert apples in Europe have declined at the end of the season due to higher supply and lower demand.
The European Bioobst Forum (EBF) forecast for the 2026/27 season indicates a smaller harvest of organic apples across member countries, with the reduction partly attributed to hail damage. The lower supply of organic apples is expected to support slightly higher prices in Europe in the coming months. In Italy, Val Venosta (South Tyrol) remains one of the few regions able to offer premium organic apples during summer, maintaining high quality and storability due to its Alpine climate and advanced storage protocols.
South African apple exports have increased significantly in 2026, with the country currently in its peak export season. South Africa exported nearly 1 million boxes of apples to China in 2025, and over 11,000 tons of apples and pears have been shipped to China so far in 2026. The recent implementation of China’s zero-tariff policy for South African apples and pears is expected to further boost South African export volumes and competitiveness, especially in Asia, but may also impact European markets by increasing global competition for key varieties including Gala and Royal Gala Red.
At the end of June and start of July 2026, European wholesale prices for first-class dessert apples averaged 1.46 PLN/kg (€0.34/kg), which is nearly 10% lower than a month earlier. Standard apple varieties in Europe saw price decreases of 7–9% at buying stations. Export-oriented varieties such as Gala and Red Delicious did not experience significant further price drops in June, as their supply was already limited and prices had fallen earlier in the spring.
The supply of premium organic apples remains stable in select regions such as Italy’s Val Venosta and from Northern and Southern Hemisphere producers coordinated by major exporters like Honeybear Brands. Demand for organic apples is recovering across Europe after a pandemic-related slowdown, with organic apple sales in 2025 reaching $740 million (approx. €687 million), a 6% increase year-on-year.
The debut of French Juliet organic apples in China this season marks an expansion of French apple exports outside Europe, with Blue Whale exporting 100–150 metric tons to China in 2026. This increased international competition could influence export opportunities and price formation for European apples, including those destined for Poland.
Material prepared by the editorial team of fresh-market.info, editor Artur Spiker