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Developed by the Agricultural Research and Rural Extension Company of Santa Catarina (Epagri), Brazilian apple varieties Luiza, Venice, and Isadora, have gained recognition in Europe, particularly in Italy, where they are marketed under the Sambóa brand. Their success was further cemented when all the varieties won the Best Apple of the Year award at the 2025 Protagonisti della Ortofrutta Italiana event, a testament to decades of research and natural breeding techniques. While Brazil's apple industry remains centered on Gala and Fuji, the strong market reception of these new varieties underscores the potential for diversification and international expansion.
Canada’s apple market, particularly in Nova Scotia, is seeing strong demand and a stable supply following a favorable 2024 growing season with adequate rainfall and minimal weather disruptions. Unlike last year’s oversupply and lower prices, this season’s shorter supply has driven up prices for varieties like Honeycrisp and Pazzaz, while demand for Gala remains steady. A growing ‘Buy Canadian’ trend may be boosting local sales, given tariff uncertainties. While interprovincial trade barriers and potential retaliatory tariffs pose challenges, growers remain optimistic as they explore new opportunities in domestic and export markets.
India’s apple industry is under pressure from rising imports and unregulated plant shipments, affecting growers in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union (KVFGDU) has urged the government to halt apple imports, particularly from the US, warning that reduced tariffs on Washington apples from Apr-25 could flood the market and threaten local producers. Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh’s horticulture sector is grappling with pest outbreaks linked to improperly quarantined imported apple plants. In response, growers call for stricter import controls and higher tariffs to safeguard India’s domestic apple industry and protect millions of livelihoods.
Jammu and Kashmir’s apple production has totaled 6.2 million metric tons (mmt) over the past three years. The annual outputs were 2.04 mmt in 2022/23, 2.064 million in 2023/24, and 2.056 million in 2024/25. To support the industry, the government is enhancing storage capacity, improving farm inputs, and strengthening market linkages. While the region currently has 307 thousand metric tons (mt) of Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage, reflecting an increase of 37 thousand mt in 2025, demand remains high at an estimated 600 thousand mt. The key initiatives, including the High-Density Plantation Scheme, Electronic National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) integration, and various horticulture programs, aim to sustain the industry, which supports 3.5 million people and around 700 thousand families.
Over the past six months, Georgia exported 12.9 thousand tons of apples worth USD 8.2 million, reflecting a 6.3-fold increase in volume and a 6.1-fold rise in value compared to the previous year. Russia remained the dominant market, accounting for 99% of shipments, with smaller volumes reaching Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Turkey. Beginning in Aug-24, the export season featured autumn varieties such as Golden, Antonovka, Start, and Sinap, primarily cultivated in Gori, Kareli, and Kaspi. The Georgian government continues to subsidize apple purchases at USD 0.03 per kilogram (kg) to support growers and strengthen the sector’s role in the national economy,
Poland’s apple season has seen rapid price increases, benefiting growers but posing challenges for exporters. Strong demand has driven immediate sales of high-quality apples, with prices rising faster than domestic supermarkets and foreign buyers can accommodate. While growers are reinvesting profits into orchards and equipment, exporters are struggling as Polish apples become more expensive than those from other European producers, leading to slower sales in February. Limited availability of popular varieties like Gala and Ligol has added to market complexities, while intense competition among Polish exporters in the same destinations is driving down prices and squeezing profit margins, underscoring the need for market diversification.
As of March 1, 2025, apples in storage in the United States (US) totaled 113 million bushels, a 5% year-on-year (YoY) decline from the 118 million bushels recorded in Mar-24 but still 13% above the five-year average. Fresh apple holdings stood at 81 million bushels, down 4% YoY, while processing apple stocks reached 32 million bushels, reflecting a 7% YoY decrease.
Apple farmers in Michigan face unseasonably warm weather that can trigger early blossoming, heightening the risk of damage from late frosts. With 850 family-run apple orchards spanning approximately 15.3 thousand hectares (ha), the state depends on stable weather to safeguard budding trees. Experts note that apple trees usually bud between late April and early May. However, prolonged warmth can cause premature blooming, leaving buds exposed to potential frost damage. Although most crops remain dormant for now, continued temperature increases could significantly threaten apple production in the region.
In W11, Italy's apple prices increased by 3.37% week-on-week (WoW) to USD 1.84/kg, marking a 3.37% month-on-month (MoM) rise. This price increase is due to strong export demand from key markets such as Germany and Brazil. However, there is a 0.54% YoY price decline due to heightened competition from other European producers and increased local production, which continue to exert downward pressure on prices.
In W11, US apple prices remained steady at USD 1.26/kg, with a 2.33% MoM decrease and a 4.55% YoY decline. The MoM price drop is primarily due to a 5% decrease in apples in storage as of February 1, 2025, totaling 130 million bushels, compared to 137 million bushels in Feb-24. Despite this reduction, storage levels remain 11% above the five-year average, contributing to ample supply and downward pressure on prices. The YoY price decline is further influenced by unseasonably warm weather in key apple-producing regions like Michigan, leading to early blossoming and increased risk of frost damage, which heightens market uncertainty and affects pricing dynamics.
In W11, apple prices in Chile surged by 13.89% WoW to USD 1.64/kg, marking a 7.19% MoM increase and a substantial 36.67% YoY rise. This significant price escalation is primarily due to a notable reduction in apple production, with reports indicating that Chile is experiencing one of its worst apple harvests in 35 years. The diminished supply has intensified competition among buyers, driving prices upward. Additionally, heightened export demand from Latin American markets, where importers are securing shipments ahead of peak consumption periods, has further strained the limited supply, contributing to the upward price movement. However, ongoing logistical challenges and elevated freight costs continue to impact exporter margins, potentially limiting further price increases.
In W11, South Africa's apple prices increased by 2.73% WoW to USD 1.13/kg, reflecting a 4.63% MoM rise. This upward trend is primarily due to the resumption of exports to Thailand after a 16-year hiatus, which has opened new markets and boosted demand for South African apples. Additionally, strong demand from established markets in Asia and the Middle East has contributed to the price increase. However, prices have declined by 23.13% YoY, due to high production volumes and increased competition from other Southern Hemisphere suppliers, which continue to exert downward pressure on long-term pricing trends.
In W11, apple prices in France increased by 3.17% WoW to USD 1.30/kg. However, prices experienced a 12.75% MoM decrease and a 9.09% YoY decline. The WoW price increase is due to a slight uptick in local demand as consumers respond to the retailers’ promotional activities. Despite this short-term rise, the MoM and YoY declines are primarily due to higher production volumes and intensified competition from other European producers, leading to an overall downward pressure on prices.
Polish apple exporters should diversify their target markets to reduce dependence on price-sensitive buyers in Europe. Exploring opportunities in regions with lower competition, such as the Middle East or Southeast Asia, can help maintain sales. Offering differentiated products, such as premium or organic apples, and adjusting packaging sizes to meet varied consumer preferences can further enhance competitiveness.
Michigan apple farmers should prepare for potential late frosts by using protective measures such as wind machines, overhead irrigation, and orchard heaters to safeguard early blossoms. Applying anti-frost sprays and monitoring temperature shifts closely can further reduce damage. Investing in row covers for smaller orchards and selecting frost-resistant rootstocks can also improve resilience against unpredictable weather.
Indian apple growers should implement stricter pest management practices to counter threats from imported plant material. Regular orchard inspections, early detection systems, and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies can help prevent outbreaks. Using certified disease-free saplings, applying organic pesticides, and rotating crops can further protect yields and maintain fruit quality in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
Sources: Tridge, Freshplaza, Kashmir Life, The News Himachal, Vestikavkaza, WLNS, Ziraat Times
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