France’s table apple crop to fall 14% in 2026

France’s table apple production is forecast at around 1.375 mln tons in 2026, down 14% y/y and 9% below the five-year average, according to Agreste.

Production is expected to decline across all major growing regions. The drop reflects prolonged heatwaves, the natural alternation between higher- and lower-yielding years, and an approximately 3% reduction in apple orchard area.

High temperatures affected not only yields but also fruit quality. Although more than 80% of French apple orchards are irrigated, the heat caused sunburn and coloring problems, while some fruit was too small for the fresh market.

The sharpest declines are forecast in Centre-Val de Loire, down 26%, the Loire Valley, down 22%, Occitanie, down 14%, and Nouvelle-Aquitaine, down 13%. The Gala variety was particularly affected, while up to one-third of the crop in Nouvelle-Aquitaine could be diverted to processing.

A weaker apple harvest is also expected in other EU countries. According to WAPA, EU apple production in 2026 could be 16–17% below the five-year average, with especially large declines forecast in Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.

Tags: France, apples