The World Apple and Pear Association (WAPA) has forecasted a significant decrease in apple production for the 2024/2025 season, estimating a drop of 11.3% to 10.2 million tons. This was attributed to adverse conditions such as poor flowering, late frosts, and hail, particularly affecting central and eastern EU countries like Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Austria. The reduction in production is expected to balance the market, with a stable fresh market in the west. Despite the challenges of inflation and rising costs, the forecast signals opportunities for increased profitability.