Apple production in the EU is expected to decline in the 2024-25 season by a staggering 11.3%, or 10.3 million tonnes among top producing countries, according to new data released by the World Apple and Pear Association (WAPA).
That bleak news, punctuated by a 13.6 decrease in production from the previous three years especially from Central and Eastern Europe areas, was tempered a bit by positive developments on pears.
Led by Italy’s production, which is expected to jump by more than 120% as it recovers from a dismal 2023, pears could see a nearly 5% gain year over year.
Those data were revealed at the Prognosfruit Conference in Budapest. Experts discussed many pressing topics, including “the challenges of CAP, securing the competitiveness of the production, and addressing the impact of climate change, sustainability debate, food security, labour issues, and geopolitical uncertainties.”
For those in the apple sector, the numbers weren’t great. However, with inflation tempering in some parts and consumer spending on the rise particularly among middle to upper class shoppers, demand is expected to remain high. Volumes are expected to remain stable in France, Italy and Spain.
“The outlook for the season is overall positive and should provide opportunities for better returns for the sector,” the WAPA report noted.
Still, produce buyers and consumers will be contending with lower amounts of the popular Galas (-11%) and Golden Delicious (-10%). At the opposite end, Red Delicious apples (+2.8%) are expected see better returns than last year.
Although pear developments remain largely positive, some areas will struggle. Belgian production is expected to drop by more than 25%, and the Netherlands will also see a nearly 9% decline. Individual varieties will be mixed, with Conference pears decreasing by 13.5% while William BC could rise by nearly 34%.
