Record Apple Stocks and Price Decline in Poland Amid Weak Demand, July 2026

Poland held 227,000 tonnes of apples in cold storage at the start of June 2026, contributing to falling prices and limited demand on both domestic and export markets.

At the turn of June and July 2026, average farm-gate prices for first-class dessert apples in Poland fell to €0.34/kg (1.46 PLN/kg), nearly 10% lower than a month earlier. Standard varieties saw price drops in procurement centres ranging from 7% to 9%. Wholesale offers for Red Jonaprince apples for sorting reached just €0.26/kg (1.10 PLN/kg) in early July, reflecting minimal buyer interest and oversupply conditions.

In June 2026, Poland held 227,000 tonnes of apples in cold storage, the second-highest June stock in recent years and accounting for 22% of total European storage, according to sector data. The leading stored varieties were Red Jonaprince (67,000 tonnes), Golden Delicious (60,000 tonnes), and Idared (60,000 tonnes). High inventories in both Poland and Europe blocked any price increases, with some dessert apples already being diverted to juice production due to sales difficulties and time pressure.

Demand for apples in Poland and across Europe dropped noticeably in May and June, as seasonal competition from cherries and blueberries intensified at wholesale markets and in retail. Export demand also weakened, with major export varieties such as Gala and Red Delicious maintaining stable but low prices due to limited supply of high-quality fruit suitable for long-distance shipping.

Export markets outside the EU are under consideration, with recent talks between Polish officials and a delegation from Kenya highlighting interest in Polish apples. However, actual trade volumes to non-EU destinations remain limited at this stage, and the domestic market is still heavily reliant on traditional European buyers.

Weather events, particularly severe hailstorms in late June and early July, caused significant localised damage to apple orchards in regions such as Sandomierz and Gołębiow. In some orchards, 90–100% of apples were damaged, with deep wounds making the fruit unsuitable for fresh market sale and likely to result in significant pre-harvest drop.

Material prepared by the editorial team of fresh-market.info, editor Artur Spiker