Croatia’s apple harvest to drop by 27%, prices set to rise

ZAGREB, 9 August 2025 (Hina) – Apple production in the European Union this year is expected to remain almost at last year’s level, while Croatia faces a sharp decline of 27 percent, according to estimates from the World Apple and Pear Association (WAPA) presented at the Prognosfruit conference in Angers, France.

The annual Prognosfruit conference, held on 7 August, brought together over 230 participants from 23 countries, including representatives from the EU, the United States, China and the southern hemisphere. WAPA, in cooperation with the French association ANPP, unveiled its official forecast for the 2025/2026 season.

EU production steady, but variety shifts

WAPA data shows that EU apple production will total 10.45 million tonnes this season, a slight drop of 0.1 percent compared to last year and still 7.5 percent below the three and five-year average.

Golden Delicious, the most produced variety, will fall by 0.9 percent to 2.06 million tonnes, while Gala will stabilise at 1.43 million tonnes. Red Delicious will see a significant 19.2 percent drop and Idared an 8.8 percent decline.

EU pear production is expected to grow by 1.4 percent to 1.79 million tonnes, although still 2.5 percent below the three-year average. Italy will experience a 24.7 percent drop in pear production, Belgium a 32.1 percent increase, and the Netherlands an 8.1 percent rise.

The Conference pear variety is set to grow by 15.6 percent, while William BC will fall by 16.7 percent.

Croatia faces sharp fall and market pressure

In Croatia, WAPA forecasts a harvest of 48,000 tonnes of apples, down from 66,000 tonnes last year and 23.5 percent below the three-year average. Branimir Markota, president of the Croatian Fruit Growers’ Association, said a high proportion of the crop will be classified as industrial apples, with only 30,000 to 35,000 tonnes suitable for long-term storage.

Pear production remains modest at around 2,000 tonnes. Markota warned that the season begins with very low stock levels and that producers are struggling with high costs, labour shortages and increasing climate unpredictability.

“With a continued decline in total apple production in Croatia, the amount going into storage is also shrinking, putting extra pressure on the market and prices,” he said.

Retail prices for apples in the upcoming season are expected to range from €2.00 to €2.30 per kilogram, depending on variety and quality. The farm gate price for first-class apples should be around €0.80 per kilogram, while second-class apples are unlikely to exceed €0.30–€0.35 per kilogram due to the government’s current cap on the price of 2 kg packs.

Markota also noted that despite stable overall EU apple production, the sector remains vulnerable to market and political conditions, including uncertainty over the Common Agricultural Policy, growing environmental requirements and differing national regulations. He called for a stronger common European agricultural strategy.

The next Prognosfruit conference will take place from 5 to 7 August 2026 in Germany, marking the 50th anniversary of Europe’s leading annual event for the apple and pear industry.