At a historic low: is domestic apple cultivation in danger?

This year has presented greater challenges than ever before for domestic apple producers. Spring frosts, drought, and extreme temperature fluctuations together caused a level of crop loss unprecedented in decades. According to the latest survey by the National Chamber of Agriculture and FruitVeB, the situation is dramatic: the harvested quantity falls far short of both consumer demand and even an average vintage level. The market is already feeling the pressure of the raw material shortage. In the 2025 season, only about 160 thousand tons of apples reached the farmers' barns, which is only half of last year's already weak yield. Between 60-80 thousand tons will be available for eating apples, and 80-100 thousand tons for industrial use. This means that eating apples will constitute only 55-60 percent, and industrial apples only 20-25 percent of the usual amount in a good year. The shortage is particularly noticeable compared to market demands: domestic consumption of eating apples ...