Dutch 2026 crop forecast: fewer apples, more pears

22-7-2026

The Dutch apple crop is expected to be 18% lower this year than last year. By contrast, the pear crop is forecast to increase by 10% compared with 2025. The crop forecast stands at 195 million kg of apples and 393 million kg of pears. The figures were published by GroentenFruit Huis and the Dutch Fruit Growers’ Organisation (NFO), based on estimates by the Crop Forecast Working Group.

The apple crop is expected to be considerably lower this year than in 2025, when the trees carried an above-average crop. Elstar is by far the most widely grown apple variety in the Netherlands. This year’s Elstar crop is forecast at 77 million kg, down 21% on last year. For Jonagold (including Jonagored), the country’s second-largest apple variety by production, the forecast is 47 million kg (-20%). Kanzi and Red Boskoop follow with the next-highest crop volumes.

More pears

The outlook for pears is more positive. Average crop loads in Dutch pear orchards are higher than a year ago. Conference accounts for 76% of the Dutch pear crop and is forecast at 299 million kg this year. This represents an increase of 12% compared with 2025. Xenia (24 million kg), Beurré Alexander Lucas (22 million kg) and Doyenné du Comice (21 million kg) follow at some distance.

Declining apple-growing area

The apple-growing area in the Netherlands has been declining for years. In 2026, it is down 3% to 4,902 hectares. Over the past ten years, the apple area has decreased by more than 2,000 hectares. The Dutch pear-growing area stands at 9,995 hectares this year. Since 2018, it has remained at around 10,000 hectares.

Click here for the table showing production figures by variety for