Polish apple trade slows, farm-gate prices flat as heatwave threatens fruit quality

Apple trade in Poland has slowed in late June, with farm-gate prices for main varieties stable and export activity focused on Belarus and Romania. Domestic wholesale prices remain well below last year's levels, and upcoming heatwaves are increasing risks of sunburn damage in orchards.

Farm-gate prices for sorted apples in Poland have stayed flat in recent weeks. On 22 June 2026, producer groups in central Poland offered €0.37/kg (1.60 PLN/kg) for Prince, Ligol, and Szampion varieties, while Idared fetched €0.30–0.33/kg (1.30–1.40 PLN/kg). In the Warka region, some exporters offered €0.35/kg (1.50 PLN/kg) for Idared. Mutsu apples for bulk purchase in bins were priced at €0.40/kg (1.70 PLN/kg).

Wholesale market prices in Poland remain low compared to previous years. The average price for sorted apples in May 2026 was just under €0.60/kg, with the broader EU average at €0.85/kg. This is about 15% lower than the same period in 2025, and marks the lowest level for May in the past five years. In August 2025, the price had reached €1.08/kg before dropping to €0.61/kg by October 2025, and prices have not recovered significantly since.

Trade activity has slowed, with exports to distant markets at minimal levels. Most current export demand comes from Belarus and Romania, along with some interest from Czechia and Hungary. Polish exporters report that distant markets like Egypt and Jordan have finished their purchasing for the season. Orders from domestic supermarket chains have also decreased, contributing to reduced overall trading volumes.

Efforts to access new export destinations continue. Despite support from Brussels, the Brazilian market remains closed to Polish apples due to phytosanitary restrictions, while Brazil has tripled its own apple exports to markets including India and Saudi Arabia—countries that also import Polish apples. Recent talks with Egypt focused on phytosanitary requirements to maintain and potentially expand Polish apple exports to that market.

Polish apple orchards are facing a period of extreme heat, with forecasts predicting temperatures of 34–38°C. Sunburn damage on fruit has already been observed in some regions, raising concerns for both yield and quality as the harvest approaches.

Compiled from Polish trade press (2026-06-25)