European apples and pears harvest forecast

According to the latest harvest forecasts published by WAPA on 5 August, European apple production should register an increase of one million tonnes, to reach a total of 11 735 000 tonnes, up by 10 % over one year, though just 1 % above the three-year average. Western Europe will have a roughly average production level, while the East European harvest is set for an increase. The Gala and Golden Delicious varieties will be up by 8 %. Poland, the number one producer country, should register an increase of 22 % over one year, to 4.17 million tonnes, though with lower quality fruit.

As regards the pear, the 2021-22 campaign is exhibiting a steep fall in production of 28 % over one year, to 1 604 000 tonnes, i.e. 27 % below the three-year average. This fall in production is partly explained by the April frosts and extensive physiological droppage in June. The summer pears are the hardest hit. Italy is seemingly the worst affected country, with its production down by 65 % to 213 000 tonnes. Belgium and the Netherlands are also set for harvest reductions of nearly 20 %, with 325 000 tonnes and 295 000 tonnes respectively.