Smaller apple harvest expected in Europe

In the 2024/25 season, the apple harvest is expected to be smaller than usual. The biggest drop is in Poland, but it has also declined in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Greece.

In Italy, Spain and France, the situation is more favorable. This is stated in the world review of the apple market FreshPlaza.

It is noted that in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, almost all growing areas expect a smaller harvest than last year. The only exception is the German region of Bodensee, where, according to the latest estimates, the volumes increased by 13% compared to last year. “High temperatures had a significant impact on Greek apple production. The trees did not get the right hours of low temperatures because they had a warm winter. There was also a long heat wave in July with over 420C for several days. This negatively affected the size of the fruit, but fortunately not its quality.

Polish apple exporters expect a rather unstable apple season. Prices are also higher than they were at the beginning of the apple season. In particular, production in Poland is expected to be about 20% less than in 2023.

In Italy, the total production in the 2024/25 season is forecast to be 1% less than last year.

In Spain, they are waiting and watching to see how imports will behave with lower production in Europe, with prices that are bound to be higher, and how this will affect demand and prices for national apples.

Despite not realizing its full potential, the French harvest seems to be stable. Prospects for the season are good, as French apples are benefiting from the poor harvest in Europe.

Tags: EU, apples