EBF publishes crop forecast for organic apples and pears
EBF publishes crop forecast for organic apples and pears
1-7-2026
The European Organic Fruit Forum (Europäische Bioobst-Forum, EBF) has published its crop forecast for organically grown apples and pears this week. This is a crop forecast based on data from EBF members (see further down in this article), and therefore does not represent the total organically grown apple and pear crop in Europe.
In summary, EBF members expect
- an 8% reduction in organic apples for the fresh market
- a 17% increase in organic pears for the fresh market.
According to the EBF, consumption of organically grown pome fruit in Europe is rising steadily
Crop forecast by country (apples)
In terms of volume, the decline is greatest in Germany at 13%. This is because Germany had a very strong crop the previous year.
In Italy, the expected 4% decline is mainly attributable to a fall in Golden Delicious production.
Austria expects a 13% decline compared with the strong previous year. Despite the decline, yields are showing increasing stabilisation following several years of severe spring frosts.
Belgium expects a sharper decline, particularly for Jonagold.
Crop forecasts by variety
Jonagold, Elstar and Braeburn have returned to a average crop due to the strong crops of the previous year.
Gala and Pinova are once again expected to yield a similar total crop volume in Europe this year as in recent years.
The total volume of Golden Delicious is declining steadily year on year.
In the 2026 forecast, Topaz is forecast to be down 7% on the previous year.
Variety mix is shifting
The most important variety in organic farming is Gala, followed by Topaz. In third place is the group comprising new varieties. Jonagold and Elstar follow in fourth and fifth place. Golden Delicious, in sixth place, is likely to continue to decline.
Quality
Hailstorms so far in northern Germany and Belgium are not reducing the total volume, but they are shifting the balance between fruit for fresh consumption and fruit for processing.
Fruit sizes are expected to be slightly larger than last year due to the generally slightly lower number of fruits per tree. This year’s scab season was well managed in almost all regions.
Normal, good fruit quality is therefore anticipated.
The European Organic Fruit Forum (Europäische Bioobst-Forum, EBF) has published its crop forecast for organically grown apples and pears this week. This is a crop forecast based on data from EBF members (see further down in this article), and therefore does not represent the total organically grown apple and pear crop in Europe.
In summary, EBF members expect
- an 8% reduction in organic apples for the fresh market
- a 17% increase in organic pears for the fresh market.
According to the EBF, consumption of organically grown pome fruit in Europe is rising steadily
Crop forecast by country (apples)
In terms of volume, the decline is greatest in Germany at 13%. This is because Germany had a very strong crop the previous year.
In Italy, the expected 4% decline is mainly attributable to a fall in Golden Delicious production.
Austria expects a 13% decline compared with the strong previous year. Despite the decline, yields are showing increasing stabilisation following several years of severe spring frosts.
Belgium expects a sharper decline, particularly for Jonagold.
Crop forecasts by variety
Jonagold, Elstar and Braeburn have returned to a average crop due to the strong crops of the previous year.
Gala and Pinova are once again expected to yield a similar total crop volume in Europe this year as in recent years.
The total volume of Golden Delicious is declining steadily year on year.
In the 2026 forecast, Topaz is forecast to be down 7% on the previous year.
Variety mix is shifting
The most important variety in organic farming is Gala, followed by Topaz. In third place is the group comprising new varieties. Jonagold and Elstar follow in fourth and fifth place. Golden Delicious, in sixth place, is likely to continue to decline.
Quality
Hailstorms so far in northern Germany and Belgium are not reducing the total volume, but they are shifting the balance between fruit for fresh consumption and fruit for processing.
Fruit sizes are expected to be slightly larger than last year due to the generally slightly lower number of fruits per tree. This year’s scab season was well managed in almost all regions.
Normal, good fruit quality is therefore anticipated.
Outlook for the coming sales season
Although a few challenges still lie ahead, the EBF expects the end of the current season to proceed as planned in most regions. With the outlook for the new season, the EFM members are confident.
Trends in organic consumption continue to show a clear and steady increase across all reports on consumption data and consumer behaviour. This reinforces the sense of confidence.
Source
The first crop forecasts for this year’s crop of organic apples and organic pears were presented at the EBF General Assembly on 23 June in Mechelen (Belgium).
EBF
The European Biofruit Forum (EBF) is a branch organisation with members throughout Europe. The EBF represents about three quarters of the European production of organic apples and pears. One of its aims is to provide members with an insight into productions and current stocks.
In Italy, Germany and Austria, the major part of the organisations selling organic fruit is associated with the EBF. In the Netherlands this is 35 to 40% and in Belgium 50%. Also in France – one of the major producers of organic apples – only a small proportion of producer organisations are members of the EBF