Polish Apple Stocks High, June Exports Down Despite Lower 2026 Harvest
Large apple stocks remained in Poland at the start of July 2026, with exports in June falling to 21,209 tonnes despite ongoing international interest. Wholesale prices in Poland stayed about 30% above German levels, but demand was seasonally weak.
In June 2026, Poland exported 21,209 tonnes of apples to 21 non-EU countries, with key destinations including Belarus (5,773 t), Kazakhstan (4,304 t), India (1,983 t), Egypt (1,930 t), Ukraine (1,760 t), and Jordan (1,570 t). This result is below June 2023 (29,487 t) and June 2022 (23,206 t), but above June 2025 (12,964 t). Despite stable trade flows, large stocks persisted: as of 1 June 2026, Polish apple cold stores held 227,000 tonnes, 18.3% more than a year earlier (WAPA data). Market participants reported difficulties selling these stocks, with some dessert apples redirected to NFC juice production due to time pressure and slow sales in June.
Wholesale apple prices in Poland in June averaged €0.6/kg (2.52 PLN/kg), around 30% higher than Germany, where the average was €0.45/kg. However, Polish market sentiment remained negative, as buyer demand typically drops in late spring and early summer. The price stagnation was linked to the high stocks carried over from the previous year, both domestically and across Europe. Official purchase prices and actual buying needs of groups and companies continued to diverge, as some growers delayed sales in hopes of later price increases.
Looking ahead, the 2026/2027 harvest is expected to be lower due to localised late-April frosts that hit key orchard regions during flowering, although the impact varied by variety and location. Despite the weather impact, significant export volumes of Gala and Golden varieties are projected. Competition from Italy, Greece, and Turkey is expected to be strong, as these countries report normal or above-average harvests for the season.
Kazakhstan, a major buyer of Polish apples, may introduce a ban on apple imports from 1 August to 31 December 2026, according to a draft regulation from the Kazakh Ministry of Agriculture. This could affect export volumes in the second half of the year. Meanwhile, there are ongoing efforts to diversify export markets, with new talks about entering the Kenyan market and other African destinations, although these require compliance with local import standards.
On the supply side, the combination of high carryover stocks and a reduced 2026 harvest is shaping a complex market situation. In June, some apples stored in Polish cold rooms were already being allocated to processing due to slow fresh market demand and the need to clear space ahead of the new harvest.
Material prepared by the editorial team of fresh-market.info, editor Artur Spiker