In recent weeks, wholesale prices for domestic eating apples in Poland have declined noticeably, particularly for popular red varieties such as Red Jonaprince, Golden Delicious, and striped Gala.
Red Jonaprince apples over 70 mm are currently trading at 1.10–1.40 PLN/kg (≈0.22–0.28 EUR/kg), Golden Delicious at 1.50–1.70 PLN/kg (≈0.30–0.34 EUR/kg), and Gala at 2.20–2.40 PLN/kg (≈0.44–0.48 EUR/kg). Retail prices have also eased but to a lesser degree, with red apples around 5 PLN/kg (≈1.00 EUR/kg) and Golden and Prince varieties at 5.50 PLN/kg (≈1.10 EUR/kg).
The price drop is attributed to both seasonal market dynamics and wholesale promotion practices. Occasionally, apples are offered at discounted rates below 2.50 PLN/kg (≈0.50 EUR/kg), typically for smaller, lower-quality fruit sold in bulk. Experts warn that such pricing strategies can undermine long-term market sustainability, stressing the importance of positioning apples as high-quality, nutritious products that fairly reward producers as well as retailers.
Late harvesting is also affecting the market. Many apples remain on trees due to prolonged picking seasons and low prices, with some intended for processing. According to Dr. Tomasz Lipa, chairman of the Polish Society for the Development of Dwarf Orchards, the combination of late flowering, cooler summer conditions, and low October prices has delayed harvests, although frost damage has been minimal.
In contrast, the pear market in Poland continues to show upward momentum. Wholesale prices for Conference pears have rebounded from previous lows to 2.60–3.50 PLN/kg (≈0.52–0.70 EUR/kg), with an average of 3.05 PLN/kg (≈0.61 EUR/kg). This recovery offers encouragement to producers and traders, as a stable pear market is crucial for maintaining profitability in Europe's challenging fruit sector.
Source: fruitveb.hu / www.sadyogrody.pl
