Polish Apple Juice Producers Look Set for a Fruitful Year in 2022

Polish apple juice production looks set to rise to USD 272.48 million in 2022, a 9.4% YoY increase, with the average volume per person reaching 3.19L due to an overall increase in the country's apple production. As the leading apple juice processor in the EU, Poland's production growth could push the EU's apple juice production volume up, with apples for processing forecast to reach 3.9 million mt in the bloc, a 4% YoY increase. An overall increase in apple production also contributed to the EU's apple juice production growth, with apple production rising to 11 million mt, rising from the 10.5 million mt recorded in 2021.

Polish apple juice producers are experiencing a fruitful year, having secured fixed contracts for the bulk of their supplies. Along with Poland, production rebounds were experienced in Spain and Hungary, making up for declines in France, Italy, Ireland, Slovenia, and Austria, all affected by the frosts and adverse weather conditions. The EU apple processing sector received higher volumes from Poland, Hungary, Italy, Romania, Spain, and Portugal.

Another factor aiding apple production in Poland and the EU is new and efficient varieties that produce better quality apples and higher yields. Producers are planting more of the Topaz and Santana varieties, resistant to fungus diseases and scab, and better suited to organic production. In Poland, producers are focusing on newer, and more efficient varieties such as Shampion, Gala, and Golden Delicious. In Spain, apple production has shifted towards new varieties that grow well in warm climates and produce high-quality, market-competitive fruit.

Polish apple juice exports are forecast to rise at a CAGR of 5-10% between 2022-26, reaching 127.9 million liters by 2026. In 2023, Polish apple juice volumes could increase by 2-4%, pushing total EU apple juice production up by 1-3%.