Anticipates Abundant Apple Crop in 2025 by Agricultural Organization - Anticipated bountiful apple yield forecasted for the year 2025 by agricultural organization
In a positive development for the apple industry, Hilbers, a representative of Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, has expressed optimism about the upcoming apple harvest in Germany. According to Hilbers, the 2025 harvest is forecasted to be above average at approximately 1,009,000 tons, marking a significant increase compared to the 2024 harvest and the first time since 2022 that Germany surpasses 1 million tons in production.
The Industry Association (WAPA) predicts that European Union apple production in 2025 will remain stable, with a very slight decrease of 0.1% compared to 2024, totaling around 10.45 to 10.5 million tons. This is still below the three- and five-year averages by about 7.5%.
Favorable weather conditions during flowering and the growing season have contributed to this positive outlook. Hilbers also noted fewer blossom frost losses in apple trees compared to 2024, and less severe hail damage during the apple growing season. However, the exception to less hail damage was observed in growing regions in the Rhineland.
Regarding varietal impacts in the EU, the most popular variety, Golden Delicious, is expected to decline slightly by 0.9%. Gala apples are forecasted to remain stable. On the other hand, Red Delicious and Idared varieties face significant drops of 19.2% and 8.8% respectively.
The stronger 2025 harvest following several weaker years could imply an increase in apple availability and likely stabilization or downward pressure on prices domestically. Higher production might improve supply for both fresh consumption and processing industries. Given that over 60% of Germany’s apples come from Baden-Württemberg and Lower Saxony, these regions are likely to play a key role in filling this supply.
It is important to note that the rise in production costs is due to the increase in the minimum wage. Despite this, Hilbers remains optimistic about acceptable prices on the German market for the 2025 harvest.
In summary, according to the Industry Association's forecasts, the 2025 apple harvest in Europe will be steady overall, but Germany is poised for a notable increase above average, potentially strengthening its domestic apple market supply. This positive outlook bodes well for the apple industry in Germany and the EU.
[1] Industry Association (WAPA) forecasts for the 2025 apple harvest in Germany and the EU. [2] European Union apple production statistics for the past three and five years. [3] Varietal impacts on the 2025 EU apple harvest. [4] Impact of the minimum wage increase on production costs. [5] Historical apple production data for Germany.
- The Industry Association's (WAPA) forecast suggests that while EU apple production remains steady in 2025, German apple production is projected to surpass 1 million tons, a significant increase compared to the previous year, potentially influencing the apple industry's finance and employment policies.
- With a stronger 2025 harvest, industry sectors such as food-and-drink, lifestyle, and finance may experience changes in apple availability and prices, which could impact employment policies in the apple industry across EC countries, particularly in regions like Baden-Württemberg and Lower Saxony.
