1. Weekly News

Greece

Greek Apple Industry Faces Strong Demand and Climate Challenges

Greece is approaching the end of its apple season, with red apple stocks nearly sold out. Approximately 90 to 95% of stored apples have already been moved amid strong market demand. Small quantities of other varieties like Granny Smith remain. However, overall profitability this season has been weak, prompting some growers to switch to alternative crops such as kiwis, cherries, and peaches. The 2025 crop was further impacted by severe frosts in Mar-25, with temperatures dropping to -3°C to -4°C, damaging buds and fruit sets. This follows previous years’ extreme weather, including 2023 flooding and 2024 hail, contributing to an expected decline in apple production, especially for red and Granny Smith apples. However, frost-related production drops in Turkey may open new export opportunities for Greek apples in the upcoming season.

India

Kashmiri Apple Growers Seek Relief Due to Import Pressure

Apple producers in Kashmir face significant challenges due to competition from cheaper Turkish and Iranian apples, which are typically 15 to 20% less expensive. This competition has weakened local demand and income, forcing some growers out of apple farming. Since nearly half of Kashmir’s population depends on the apple trade, growers hope that upcoming government discussions to limit imports will help raise local prices by 10 to 15%, providing essential market support. Favorable weather conditions have boosted the local harvest this season, reinforcing calls for protective trade policies to strengthen Kashmiri apple producers’ market position.

India Pushes for Higher Duties and Import Controls on Turkish Apples

The Himachal Pradesh government has called on the central administration to raise import duties on Turkish apples from the current 50% to a minimum of 100%. The request, directed to the Prime Minister, emphasizes the need to limit rising imports and shield local apple growers from mounting competition. Alongside higher tariffs, the state has also pushed for quantitative restrictions on apple imports as a measure to support price stability and protect local market dynamics. The local apple industry generates about USD 540 million annually and supports over 250 thousand families. However, it is under threat due to a surge in apple imports, which climbed to around 519 thousand metric tons (mt) in 2024 from 1.1 thousand mt in 1998. Turkish apples, which accounted for 23% of imports (117 thousand mt) in 2024, have rapidly expanded their market share since 2020. This influx endangers small-scale farmers across Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir, motivating officials to seek stronger trade protections.

Moldova

Moldova Expands Apple Exports to Southeast Asia During Market Shifts

Moldova is actively diversifying its apple export markets, focusing on Southeast Asia as a strategic alternative due to instability in the Russian market. After initial shipments earlier in 2024, Moldova resumed exports to Malaysia in early 2025, following Ukraine’s lead in the region. Although overall export volumes declined this year, maintaining access to markets such as Singapore and Malaysia remains vital. Moldovan and Ukrainian apples, priced competitively for the Southeast Asian mass market at USD 2.5 to 8 per kilogram (kg) retail, benefit from low local export costs of USD 0.6 to 0.8/kg during the Feb-25 to May-25 period. This timing capitalizes on supply gaps from China, Iran, and Turkey, which drive local prices higher and help offset logistical expenses.

Ukraine

Apple Prices Surge in Ukraine Due to End-of-Season Scarcity

Ukraine’s apple season is nearly complete, with most growers having sold their stocks. The remaining inventory holders have sharply raised wholesale prices, which increased by an average of 14% in W21 to USD 0.77 to 0.97/kg. This price surge is due to seasonal scarcity caused by dwindling last year’s supply and a delayed new harvest from an unusually cold and prolonged spring. The current wholesale prices are about twice those from last year, with further increases expected until new-season apples become available in the coming weeks.

2. Weekly Pricing

Weekly Apple Pricing Important Exporters (USD/kg)

Yearly Change in Apple Pricing Important Exporters (W21 2024 to W21 2025) 

Italy

In W21, apple prices in Italy increased by 1.08% week-on-week (WoW) to USD 1.88/kg, with a slight increase of 2.17% year-on-year (YoY) due to steady demand in local retail and export markets, particularly driven by consistent shipments to Germany and Eastern Europe. However, month-on-month (MoM) prices slightly declined by 1.57% due to an increase in available stocks from controlled atmosphere storage, which eased supply tightness observed in the previous month, leading to a marginal downward pressure on prices.

United States

Apple prices in the United States (US) dropped slightly by 0.84% WoW to USD 1.18/kg in W21, with a 3.28% MoM decrease and a sharp 21.85% YoY decrease. The price decline is due to continued oversupply in the market from the 2023 harvest, particularly of varieties like Gala and Fuji, which are still in cold storage and being released gradually. Additionally, slower domestic demand and increased competition from imported apples, especially from Chile and New Zealand, have contributed to downward price pressure. The YoY drop also reflects the high base effect from 2023, when supply shortages had previously driven prices up.

Chile

Chile's apple prices dropped by 0.91% WoW to USD 1.09/kg in W21, reflecting a 2.68% MoM decrease due to increased harvest volumes from the ongoing peak season, which has led to greater availability in local and export markets. Additionally, logistical challenges in some ports have caused short-term supply buildup, putting slight downward pressure on prices. However, YoY prices increased by 3.81% due to improved fruit quality this season, especially for export-grade apples, and stronger demand from key markets such as the US and Latin America, which have helped support higher price levels than last year.

South Africa

In South Africa, apple prices decreased by 4.82% WoW to USD 0.79/kg in W21, marking a 15.05% MoM decline and a significant 48.37% YoY decrease. The price decrease is due to abundant supply from the ongoing harvest season, particularly of lower-grade fruit that is not meeting export specifications and is being redirected to the local market at discounted rates. Additionally, sluggish export demand, especially from traditional markets in Africa and Asia, due to currency fluctuations and high shipping costs, has further pressured local prices. The steep YoY drop also reflects the contrast with last year’s tighter supply situation caused by adverse weather and logistical disruptions, which had driven prices higher.

France

Apple prices in France rose by 4.48% WoW to USD 1.40/kg in W21 due to tighter market availability as cold storage supplies began to run low and fewer new shipments entered the market. This short-term supply constraint supported higher weekly prices, particularly for high-quality varieties like Golden and Gala. However, prices slightly decreased by 0.71% MoM and declined by 4.76% YoY due to overall weaker export demand within the European Union (EU) and rising competition from southern hemisphere suppliers such as Chile and South Africa, which are currently in peak harvest and offering competitive pricing in European markets.

3. Actionable Recommendations

Secure Cold Storage for Late-Season Price Gains

Apple producers should invest in or lease cold storage facilities to extend product availability and benefit from late-season price surges. As seen in Ukraine and other regions, limited end-of-season supply leads to sharp price increases. Producers in countries like Poland, Turkey, and India can use controlled-atmosphere storage to hold premium-grade apples longer, releasing them strategically when market scarcity drives up prices. This approach maximizes returns and ensures a more stable year-round supply to buyers.

Strengthen Branding to Compete with Cheaper Imports

Apple producers should invest in clear regional branding and quality differentiation to defend market share against lower-priced imports. Highlighting unique traits, such as higher altitude cultivation in Kashmir, handpicking methods in Serbia, or organic certification in parts of Italy, can justify premium pricing and build buyer loyalty. Producers can also offer branded packaging and QR codes for traceability, as seen in premium Fuji apples from Japan or Honeycrisp from the US. This strategy helps position local apples as a distinct, value-added product rather than competing purely on price.

Optimize Post-Harvest Handling to Maintain Apple Quality and Prices

Apple producers should enhance post-harvest handling and cold storage practices to maintain fruit quality and reduce losses during peak harvest periods. For example, adopting controlled atmosphere storage like that used in New Zealand and Poland can extend shelf life and ensure export-grade quality. Coordinating with logistics partners to streamline port operations and avoid bottlenecks will also help prevent supply gluts that depress prices. These steps support stable pricing by matching high-quality supply with strong international demand.

Sources: Tridge, Eastfruit, Freshplaza, Hindustan Times, Pune Times Mirror