European Apple And Pear Harvests Climb As Growers Reap A Promising Season

The latest data from the World Apple and Pear Association (WAPA) indicates a modest yet meaningful rise in apple and pear production forecast for the 2025/26 season across Europe.

The revised figures suggest apples are approaching 11 million tonnes, while pears are also set to increase.

Key Figures

• Apple production is projected to reach nearly 11 million tonnes in the European region under WAPA’s revised outlook.

• Pear production is also expected to rise, though specific volume figures were not disclosed in the publicly summarised data.

Analysis & Implications

The upward revision comes after earlier forecasts that suggested a flatter outlook for the sector. This change signals resilience in the fresh produce supply chain for top-fruit varieties, despite ongoing pressures such as inflation, labour shortages and climate variability.

For growers and suppliers, the near-11 million-tonne apple crop suggests a more comfortable supply base, which may ease some concerns around tight stocks. At the same time, incremental pear volume gains hint at growing potential in that category.

However, the modest nature of the increase means that price and margin pressures remain relevant. With costs still elevated across orchard operations, sorting and logistics, the balance between volume and profitability continues to be fine.

Market watchers will be keeping a close eye on how the improved volume translates into packhouse throughput, retailer demand and export flows. With apples and pears both increasingly globalised categories, any shift in supply can impact trade dynamics and pricing.

Outlook

Going into the remainder of the season, the fresh produce sector in the UK and beyond can draw some encouragement from the revised forecasts. A near-11 million-tonne apple crop offers a foundation for market stability, and pear growth may open further opportunities. Nevertheless, operational and market headwinds remain, and players will need to remain agile.

For UK-based wholesalers, retailers and growers, the message is this: solid volume foundations are setting, but winning in the marketplace will still depend on quality, logistics efficiency, consumer appeal and value-chain cost-control.