According to initial forecasts (July 1st), French apple production will be down this year, mainly due to a reduction in the area under production. According to Agreste, harvest reductions are expected in most apple-producing regions. It should be noted that these forecasts are likely to change depending on weather conditions and the health situation, with pressure from the ash aphid being relatively high this year.
Production down from 2024, but above the five-year average
"According to initial forecasts drawn up on July 1st, French apple production should total 1,574,800 tons in 2025, which is 3% less than in 2024, mainly due to a reduction in the area under production. Production is expected to be 7% higher than the average for 2020-2024. The start of the season has been marked by heavy disease and pest pressure. The effect of the recent heatwave on fruit size has yet to be determined."
Contrasting situations by region
In the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, production is expected to fall as a result of reduced areas and yields. Rain during the flowering phase has caused the fruit to run and fall, and there is still significant pressure from scab and aphids.
In Occitanie, production is expected to rise thanks to an increase in surface area. In fact, it is the only producing region that should see an increase. Uncertainties remain, however, regarding the impact of the ash aphid and the hot weather.
In the Pays de la Loire region, acreage is down slightly. Flowering was fine, and physiological decline was limited, suggesting that production will be close to last year's level.
In the Nouvelle Aquitaine region, there has also been a marked drop in acreage, particularly in Aquitaine. Despite good flowering and fruit set, yields are expected to be slightly lower than last year.
In Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, a drop in both surface area and yields is expected. Heavy rainfall has led to losses. Scab and ashy aphid pressure is high.
In the Centre-Val de Loire region, the downward trend in acreage continues, with yields that are 15% below the 2020-2024 average. Aphid pressure is high, and production is expected to decline.
Source: Agreste
