Smaller organic apple harvest in Europe, South African apples promoted in China, US crop reporting changes
European organic apple harvest is expected to be smaller in 2026 due to hail, with potential price increases. South African apple exports see strong retail promotion in China, and US crop reporting will shift to later, more accurate estimates.
The first European forecast for the 2026 organic apple harvest among EBF member organisations indicates a smaller crop for the fresh market, partly due to hail damage in several producing regions. This reduced supply is expected to support slightly higher prices for organic apples across Europe. The organic pear outlook is more positive, with no significant reductions reported. Following a pandemic-related slowdown, organic apple consumption is again rising in Europe, with further growth expected by 2027.
South African apples are currently promoted across over 40 retail stores in China, with sales surging by 36.9% during a recent campaign. Individual stores reported daily sales exceeding €171 (¥1,300) for South African apples, highlighting international demand. The Crystal Sugar Apple, a Fuji variety from South Africa, remains the flagship export product. South African apples are also present in European markets, competing with European and Turkish fruit in the summer period.
Italy, Greece, and Turkey are expected to report normal or above-normal apple harvests in 2026, maintaining their strong positions as suppliers on the European market. This is likely to increase competition and pressure on prices for other exporters, including those aiming to supply Poland. The main export varieties from these countries are Gala and Golden, which are also widely consumed in Central and Eastern Europe.
In the United States, the Washington State Tree Fruit Association (WSTFA) will no longer publish early-season apple crop estimates due to poor forecast accuracy and market oversupply. The association will release its official apple crop report on December 1, with weekly shipment data continuing. This change is expected to reduce volatility in price negotiations for US apples, which are occasionally exported to Europe, especially during off-season periods.
Chilean apple exports are forecast to decline by 9% in 2026, according to recent industry estimates. This drop may affect apple availability for European importers during the southern hemisphere season, especially in early spring before the main European harvest begins.
Material prepared by the editorial team of fresh-market.info, editor Artur Spiker