European apple production down 16 percent, WAPA says

European Union apple growers face a sharp production decline for the 2026/27 season, according to initial estimates from the World Apple and Pear Association (WAPA). 

Harvest across major EU apple-producing nations will reach 10.47 million short tons. This figure marks a 16 percent drop from the previous season's final volume and sits 14 percent below the three-year average.

Conversely, WAPA projects pear production at 2.15 million tons, a 5.5 percent year-on-year increase and a ten percent gain above the three-year average. Total volume, however, remains below the full productive potential of European orchards.

The organization attributed the reduced yields to hard freezes in February and late April, extended heatwaves, drought conditions, severe hailstorms, and periods of heavy rainfall.

Key apple varieties show widespread drops

Golden Delicious production will drop 11 percent year-on-year to 1.99 million tons. Gala, the second-largest variety in the trading bloc, will decline nine percent to 1.50 million tons. Red Delicious will contract 5.3 percent to 547,322 tons, while Idared will plummet 20 percent to 458,075 tons.

Conference pears, the dominant variety in Europe, will rise by two percent to 998,356 tons. William BC pears will grow modestly by one percent to 233,255 tons.

Among major pear-producing countries, Italian growers lead the recovery with an estimated output of 382,860 tons—a 17 percent increase from the prior campaign. The Netherlands expects a ten percent increase in production, while Belgium projects a seven percent decrease compared to the 2025/26 season.

Extreme weather and soaring input costs squeeze grower margins

WAPA Secretary General Philippe Binard stressed that these production declines highlight the severe operational environment confronting European agricultural businesses.

"We may be reaching the limits of what current tools and practices can absorb to maintain sector competitiveness, with yields impacted by weather events, rising costs, and a shrinking availability of tools to secure productivity and quality," Binard stated.

Luc Vanoirbeek, Chairman of the Fruit and Vegetables Working Party, stated that policy measures have lagged behind the impacts of climate change. Vanoirbeek warned that the circumstances threaten not only yields and sector competitiveness, but also food security.

*All photos are referential via Shutterstock.

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