1. Weekly News

Morocco

Morocco’s Apple Sector Hopes for Recovery After Years of Drought

In Morocco, the Midelt region, the country's leading apple-growing area, has faced severe production challenges due to seven consecutive years of drought. Located over 1.4 thousand meters (m) above sea level, Midelt received over 384 millimeters (mm) of rain in Mar-25, just before the flowering period. While this rainfall is considered relatively high compared to the region's typical annual precipitation of around 200 mm, it offers hope for a more stable apple season. Farmers in the region grow varieties like Golden and Jeromine for the local market. They continue with standard operations, including irrigation and pest control, with harvests expected between late August and October. However, growers remain cautious about expanding acreage due to ongoing climatic uncertainty and the lack of infrastructural support, unlike regions like Souss Massa, which benefit from more advanced irrigation systems and better overall water management. The industry is also under pressure from rising apple imports, particularly from Spain, as local production struggles to meet demand.

Namibia

Namibia Eyes Local Apple Production Due to Heavy Import Reliance

Namibia remains heavily reliant on apple imports, purchasing over USD 1.85 million worth in the last quarter of 2024 (Q4-2024), with South Africa supplying 95.7% of this demand. Despite limited local production, the country imported more than 4.2 thousand apple seedlings and 125 locally grown trees in response to growing interest among local farmers. Apple consumption remains high, consistently ranking among the top imported fruits. According to the Namibia Agronomic Board, imports have fluctuated since peaking at 11.1 thousand tons worth USD 5.6 million in 2020/21, with a slight recovery to 9.6 thousand tons valued at USD 3.9 million in 2022/23. The Board sees potential for local industry growth by identifying suitable high-altitude regions, promoting drought-resistant varieties, and investing in infrastructure like cold storage and transport.

Poland

Polish Apple Growers Face Frost Risks Due to Unpredictable Weather

Apple growers in Poland are facing uncertainty regarding the impact of recent and ongoing frost risks, following a spell of unusually low temperatures in April, which dropped to -6 degrees Celsius (°C) at night. Although no significant damage has been confirmed so far, it is still too early to assess the full impact on apple buds and overall production. With apple flowering just beginning, the crop remains vulnerable to further cold spells, especially as forecasts suggest the possibility of more frost. While some growers used irrigation to combat the frost, this method proved risky, as low daytime temperatures could cause more harm than protection. The coming weeks will be critical in determining the extent of any potential losses for Poland's apple industry.

South Korea

South Korea's Apple Industry Reels from Wildfire Damage and Rising Prices

In South Korea, devastating wildfires in the northern Gyeongsangbuk-do Province have severely impacted apple production. The fires affected approximately 9.3 thousand hectares (ha), about 28% of the country’s total apple cultivation area. Key growing counties, including Andong, Cheongsong, Uiseong, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok, have suffered extensive damage, with Cheongsong, responsible for 14% of national production, hit particularly hard. The fires and resulting heat stress disrupted flowering, leaving many trees unable to bloom or bear fruit. By mid-April, damaged cold storage facilities and scorched orchards had driven up prices, with wholesale rates rising 71% year-on-year (YoY) to USD 4.81 per kilogram (KRW 6,912/kg) and retail prices increasing 14%. Experts expect further price hikes around the Chuseok holidays, with concerns about reduced yields, declining quality, and the difficulty of replanting signaling a challenging season ahead for South Korea’s apple sector.

Turkey

Severe Frost Threatens Turkey's Apple Crop and Juice Exports

A recent severe frost in Turkey has caused significant damage to apple orchards, especially those designated for juice concentrate production for the 2025/26 marketing year (MY). Authorities are still assessing the full extent of the damage, with potential aid measures under consideration to support affected growers and stabilize domestic prices. As a key global supplier of low-acidity apple juice concentrate, Turkey may face a production shortfall, which could impact its export availability. The benchmark price for this product has already risen to USD 2496.33 per metric ton (EUR 2,200/mt), reflecting a 12.8% YoY increase. This disruption occurs as buyers seek alternative suppliers, particularly in light of global trade tensions, such as the United States (US)-China trade war and high US tariffs on Chinese apple juice, adding further uncertainty to the international apple market.

United States

Michigan Apple Growers Turn to Organic Due to Price Pressures

In the US, persistently low apple prices have prompted many growers in Michigan and the broader Midwest to explore alternative sales channels, with an increasing number transitioning from conventional to certified organic apple production. Several producers have rapidly converted large portions of their orchards to organic, aiming to capitalize on higher price points in both fresh and processed markets. This shift not only simplifies management practices but also aligns with the growing consumer demand for organic produce. Organic apples can fetch up to USD 0.35 per pound (lb), compared to just 0.60 for conventional apples, making the transition a necessary step for growers to maintain profitability amid challenging wholesale market conditions. Additionally, many have embraced direct retail strategies, such as on-farm pick-your-own sales, to strengthen local market connections.

2. Weekly Pricing

Weekly Apple Pricing Important Exporters (USD/kg)

Yearly Change in Apple Pricing Important Exporters (W16 2024 to W16 2025) 

Italy

​In W16, Italy's apple prices increased by 3.83% week-on-week (WoW) to USD 1.90/kg, with a 3.26% month-on-month (MoM) and a 6.15% YoY rise. This upward trend is due to a significant reduction in apple production across Europe, including Italy, due to adverse weather conditions such as spring frosts and hailstorms in key growing regions like Trentino-Alto Adige. The resulting lower yields have tightened supply, while steady domestic demand, particularly for premium varieties, has maintained price levels. Additionally, rising production costs, including increased expenses for raw materials and energy, have exerted upward pressure on prices.​

United States

​In W16, US apple prices slightly declined by 0.84% WoW to USD 1.23/kg, with no MoM change, due to abundant local supply and subdued demand. The US Apple Association forecasts the 2024/25 apple crop at approximately 259.5 million bushels, a 10.1% decrease from the previous year. Despite this reduction, the market remains well-supplied, exerting downward pressure on prices. Additionally, increased competition from organic apple producers, particularly in Michigan, has influenced conventional apple pricing. However, prices have dropped by 13.99% YoY, reflecting the impact of last year's record-high production, which led to a surplus and subsequent price adjustments to balance supply and demand.​

Chile

In W16, Chile's apple prices rose by 0.33% WoW to USD 1.18/kg, marking an 11.32% YoY increase. This uptick is attributed to a modest 0.7% rise in production to 920 thousand tons for the 2025 season, coupled with a 1% increase in export volumes, signaling steady demand in key markets like the US, Colombia, and Brazil. However, prices experienced a 7.81% MoM decline, likely due to seasonal harvest peaks in April leading to increased domestic supply and intensified competition from other Southern Hemisphere producers, which exerted downward pressure on prices.​

South Africa

​In W16, South Africa's apple prices experienced a modest WoW increase of 3.44% to USD 0.98/kg, primarily driven by improved demand for premium varieties such as Royal Gala and Cripps Pink in key export markets. Favorable weather conditions have enhanced fruit quality and color development, supporting higher price points for these varieties. Additionally, the ongoing harvest season has increased the availability of fresh produce, stimulating market activity and contributing to the slight price uptick.​ However, on a MoM and YoY basis, prices declined by 14.04% and 32.88%, respectively. These declines are due to a significant rise in production volumes, with forecasts indicating a 5% increase in apple exports for the 2025 season due to young orchards coming into production and the introduction of higher-yielding varieties. The resultant oversupply has exerted downward pressure on prices. Moreover, intensified competition in international markets, particularly from countries like Chile and Poland, has further impacted South African apple prices, as these nations have increased their market presence with competitive pricing strategies.

France

​In W16, France's apple prices declined by 5.63% WoW to USD 1.36/kg, with a 1.45% MoM decrease and a 2.16% YoY drop. This price decline is due to subdued local demand and increased competition from Southern Hemisphere imports, particularly from South Africa and South America, during France's off-season. Despite a reduction in European apple production due to unfavorable weather conditions, the influx of imported apples has created an oversupply in the market, exerting downward pressure on prices. Additionally, French consumers are increasingly opting for pre-packed apples, which are more affordable, further influencing the overall price trend.

3. Actionable Recommendations

Boost Post-Harvest Efficiency to Offset Import Pressure

Apple growers in Midelt should focus on improving post-harvest handling to stay competitive amid rising imports. Cooperatives and local packing houses can invest in better sorting, cold storage, and packaging to extend shelf life and reduce waste. For example, introducing padded crates and forced-air cooling for Golden and Jeromine apples can preserve quality during transport and open access to urban and wholesale markets, helping offset lower production volumes and defend market share from Spanish imports.

Prioritize Tree Recovery and Graft Replacement in Burned Orchards

Apple cooperatives and growers in Gyeongsangbuk-do should focus on salvaging partially damaged trees and replacing severely affected ones through grafting rather than full replanting. This faster recovery method can restore production sooner. For instance, growers in Cheongsong and Uiseong can use heat-tolerant or early-blooming rootstocks to improve resilience. Coordinating pruning, soil testing, and applying organic matter to restore soil health will also help boost regrowth and maintain orchard productivity under ongoing climate stress.

Expand Temporary Cold Storage and Sort Damaged Fruit Quickly

Apple cooperatives and packing centers in Gyeongsangbuk-do should set up temporary cold storage units and prioritize fast sorting of fire-affected fruit to reduce spoilage and preserve saleable volumes. Portable cooling containers and refrigerated trucks can serve as stopgap solutions where facilities were damaged. At the same time, workers should focus on grading apples for juice processing or drying if fresh-market quality is compromised. This approach helps stabilize supply, reduce losses, and maintain some income flow during a difficult recovery period.

Sources: Tridge, Freshplaza, Fruit-Group SP.z.o.o., Goodfruit, Hiba Badr Farm, Mintec/Expana, New Era Live, The Korea Bizwire