1. Weekly News

Europe

European Apple Stocks Decline by 6.4% in May-25

As of May 1, 2025, apple stocks in Europe declined by 6.4% year-on-year (YoY) to 1.2 million metric tons (mmt), driven mainly by significant reductions in Poland, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Belgium. Poland alone saw a sharp 27.8% drop to 226 thousand metric tons (mt), while Austria and the Czech Republic reported even steeper declines of 57.3% and 73.5%, respectively. In contrast, France and Italy recorded modest stock increases, with France rising 13.5% to 225 thousand mt and Italy, the region’s top holder, slightly up by 0.3% to 449 thousand mt. The United Kingdom (UK) and Switzerland saw notable YoY growth, with UK stocks surging 180.9% to 30 thousand mt. Despite gains in select countries, the overall downward trend reflects tighter European supply as the season progresses.

India

Severe Hailstorm Devastates Apple Orchards in South Kashmir

A powerful hailstorm swept through several villages in South Kashmir’s Shopian district, damaging an estimated 60% to 70% of apple orchards in key areas including Nagbal, Handew, and Wadipora. The storm, lasting about 15 to 20 minutes, delivered chickpea-sized hailstones that severely affected what is a vital crop for the region’s economy. With Kashmir producing around 2 million mt of apples annually and providing livelihoods for approximately 3.5 million people, the damage raises serious economic concerns. Farmers expressed deep distress and appealed for substantial government intervention, pointing to long-standing issues such as inadequate compensation and the lack of a functional crop insurance system.

New Zealand

New Zealand’s 2024/25 Apple Harvest Exceeds Expectations

New Zealand’s 2024/25 apple harvest has outperformed expectations due to favorable growing conditions, including strong winter chilling, timely thinning, well-balanced rainfall, and a stable spring, all of which supported excellent fruit quality and size. Despite challenges from the earlier Cyclone Gabrielle, the Hawke’s Bay region delivered strong yields, aided by resilient orchard management and healthy trees. While some underperforming orchards are being phased out and smaller growers consider strategic shifts such as selling or diversification, the overall industry outlook remains positive, supported by the maturity of new high-performing varieties and continued investment in innovation.

South Africa

South Africa Strengthens Position in Global Apple Market as Chile’s Share Declines

South Africa is solidifying its role as a leading global apple exporter, leveraging its geographic proximity to major markets and strong phytosanitary standards to offer fresher, high-quality fruit with shorter shipping times. Since 2008, targeted investments have driven a 30% rise in apple production, supported by modernized orchards, improved port logistics, and diversified cultivar portfolios. Around 45% of its apples are now exported to 86 countries, with consistent demand from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. In contrast, Chile’s apple industry faces sharp declines, with harvest volumes projected to fall 44% compared to 2016 and exports down by 32%. South Africa’s research-driven approach and logistical advantages are positioning it as a preferred supplier in an increasingly competitive and climate-affected global market.

United Kingdom

UK Targets Vietnam to Boost Exports of Premium British Apples

The UK is eyeing Vietnam as a key growth market for premium British apples, supported by seed funding for a Vietnamese inward trade mission secured by British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL). The initiative, aligned with insights from the UK’s Department for Business and Trade, aims to tap into demand for larger-sized apples that exceed local supermarket specifications. Grown in a distinctive maritime climate, British apples are internationally recognized for their flavor, quality, and sustainability. This export strategy is designed to enhance grower profitability without affecting local supply, while boosting the global presence and long-term resilience of British orchards through targeted international market expansion.

2. Weekly Pricing

Weekly Apple Pricing Important Exporters (USD/kg)

Yearly Change in Apple Pricing Important Exporters (W23 2024 to W23 2025) 

Italy

In Italy, apple prices ticked up by 0.52% week-on-week (WoW) to USD 1.92 per kilogram (kg) in W23, alongside a 3.23% month-on-month (MoM) increase and a 1.59% YoY rise. This modest price uptick stems from constrained fresh supply caused by spring frosts and elevated temperatures during flowering, which trimmed the 2024/25 harvest by around 1% to 2%, especially affecting key regions like South Tyrol and Trentino. At the same time, strong export demand and strong uptake of Italian apples in European Union (EU) and non‑EU markets kept inventories tight domestically despite steady internal consumption.

United States

Apple prices in the US remained steady WoW at USD 1.18/kg in W23, but fell 0.84% MoM and dropped sharply by 24.36% YoY due to a 2% decline in the 2024/25 US apple crop as growers faced higher labor and input costs, tight H‑2A labor availability, and slightly less-than-perfect weather. Meanwhile, excess carryover stocks from a strong 2023/24 season, evidenced by a 33.6% YoY rise in stored volumes, continued to weigh on wholesale pricing. This abundant supply amid softened consumer demand and export challenges created sustained downward pressure on local apple prices into W23.

Chile

In W23, apple prices in Chile rose by 3.67% WoW to USD 1.13/kg and climbed 2.73% MoM due to shrinking local availability as growers reduced planted acreage in favor of more profitable crops, and a cooler-than-expected harvest season delayed fruit arrival to market, boosting short-term demand. However, YoY prices dropped by 12.40% due to a rebound in production from a low base the previous year, the 2023/24 harvest saw only a slight 1.1% decline, but still improved versus two years ago; this, along with a 1.3% drop in exports leading to surplus supply in local markets, pressured prices compared to last year.

South Africa

South African apple prices dropped sharply by 9.23% WoW to USD 0.59/kg in W23, with a 28.92% MoM decrease and a significant 70.05% YoY plunge. This steep decline primarily reflects a surge in supply: harvest volumes rebounded strongly due to favorable seasonal weather, cool nights, ample rainfall, and young, high-yielding orchards maturing and heavy exports to Africa and Asia flooding both domestic and foreign markets. Controlled-atmosphere storage has also kept late-season inventory elevated, pressuring prices further. Surging export cartons, up about 12% YoY, and increased competition among growers eager to sell have combined to drive wholesale apple prices down sharply across weekly, monthly, and annual comparisons.

France

In France, apple prices increased slightly by 1.36% WoW to USD 1.49/kg in W23 and jumped 11.19% MoM, driven by a tightening supply. Early-season harvest forecasts were revised downward by around 4% due to heat and drought stress, which reduced yields, particularly for popular varieties like Gala and Golden Delicious. At the same time, strong local and export demand added further pressure to the already limited supply. However, prices edged down 2.61% YoY, reflecting a fuller market than last year. Stocks were about 7% higher at the start of the campaign, and although export volumes remained solid, they were slightly below prior-year levels.

3. Actionable Recommendations

Focus on High-Performing Varieties and Phase Out Underperforming Blocks

Apple producers should accelerate the transition toward high-performing varieties by phasing out older, low-yielding blocks. This includes expanding planting of premium types like Dazzle, Envy, or Cosmic Crisp, which deliver better packouts and market premiums. Growers in regions like New Zealand, South Africa, and Europe can increase profitability by reallocating land and labor toward these newer cultivars, while using orchard mapping and yield data to identify which blocks to replace. This shift enhances long-term returns and aligns production with changing global demand.

Adopt Hail Protection and Risk Diversification Strategies

Apple producers should invest in hail nets and diversify production risk to protect against sudden weather shocks. In hail-prone areas like Kashmir, Northern Italy, and parts of Eastern Europe, growers can reduce physical damage and crop losses by installing protective netting systems over vulnerable blocks. Additionally, producers should spread harvest risk by growing varieties with different maturation windows or planting across microclimates when possible. These actions help stabilize income, safeguard orchards, and build long-term resilience.

Sources: Tridge, British Apples & Pears, Freshplaza, FruitToday, Greater Kashmir, HortNews, Now Media, World Apple and Pear Association