Original content
Apple consumption in Ontario is on the decline, prompting growers in regions like Norfolk County to promote the advantages of choosing locally grown produce. Producers emphasize that Ontario-grown apples are not only fresher and more affordable but also environmentally friendly, helping to reduce the carbon footprint linked to imported fruit. Ontario’s apple industry, valued at approximately USD 120 million annually, covers nearly 6.4 thousand hectares (ha) and cultivates 15 different varieties. Popular types include Gala, Honeycrisp, and Ambrosia. While a portion of the harvest is exported, the majority is consumed domestically. Export volumes can vary, often depending on weather conditions in other apple-producing countries.
Chile’s apple exports are expected to remain stable year-on-year (YoY) at 530 thousand tons for the 2024/25 marketing year (Jul-24 to Jun-25). This stability is supported by favorable weather conditions from La Niña, including abundant rainfall and colder winters, which are expected to increase yields to 920 thousand tons despite a decline in crop acreage. As a global leader in Gala and Pink Lady apple exports, Chile’s key markets include Brazil, which has become its top destination, surpassing Colombia and Ecuador. This growth is driven by trade advantages under Mercado Común del Sur (MERCOSUR), lower logistics costs, and rising demand, with Brazilian imports of Chilean apples forecast to increase by 14.6%, reaching 36.5 thousand tons in 2025. While Latin America remains essential, significant markets include China, the Netherlands, and the United States (US). Additionally, new US tariffs may indirectly benefit Chile by driving global demand toward its more competitively priced apples, further strengthening its position in international markets.
Chilean apples are benefiting from the tariff measures imposed by the US President, significantly expanding their presence in Brazil. In the first two months of 2025, Chile’s fruit exports reached a record USD 3.62 billion, with apples seeing an impressive 51% increase in shipment volume compared to the same period in 2024. The geographic proximity between Chile and Brazil not only reduces shipping costs but also aligns better with Brazilian seasonal demand compared to US apples, whose exports are expected to decline due to higher tariffs. As a result, Chilean apple imports into Brazil are projected to rise by 14.6% in 2025, reaching 36.5 thousand tons, further strengthening Chile’s position in the Brazilian market and highlighting its strategic advantage in navigating changing global trade dynamics.
Apple growers in India’s Kashmir region are capitalizing on increased demand for fruit stored in Controlled Atmosphere (CA) units. This has prompted early market releases, which began on Jan-25, ahead of the typical mid-Feb-25 timeline. Strong prices, with 10-kilogram (kg) boxes selling for around USD 14.40 and higher-quality apples of 16-kg boxes reaching USD 18 or more (excluding storage costs), have driven early sales. Last year, around 20% of stored apples went unsold due to competition from imports, but this year, about 60% of cold storage inventory has already been cleared. With over 2 million metric tons (mmt) of apples produced annually and 300 thousand metric tons (mt) stored, Kashmir’s 50 CA units, mainly in the Small Industries Development Corporation's (SIDCO) Lassipora, are crucial in preventing distress sales. Growers emphasize the importance of improving packaging and grading to boost competitiveness, as taste alone is insufficient to secure a foothold in the global market.
Poland’s apple industry is facing significant risks due to ongoing frost conditions that threaten both the yield and quality of the upcoming harvest. While frost events are not unusual for this time of year, the current cold spell is intensifying concerns among producers. Many are still dealing with the aftermath of a challenging season, with some regions of Poland reporting over 80% losses. The frost not only affects overall production but also causes skin defects that reduce fruit quality. To mitigate these risks, Polish growers have been relying on established anti-frost measures, such as sprinkler systems, orchard heaters, and smoke-based techniques. However, a forecasted warming trend in the coming days offers some optimism for the country’s apple industry.
South Africa has officially resumed apple exports to Thailand after a 16-year hiatus, marking a significant milestone in bilateral agricultural trade. The first shipment, received at Talaad Thai Market, introduces premium South African apple varieties, such as Royal Gala, Granny Smith, Pink Lady, and Joya, to Thai consumers. This renewed access follows extensive collaboration between South African and Thai authorities to establish updated phytosanitary protocols. These measures ensure both food safety and smooth trade. The export hiatus, which began in 2008 due to phytosanitary concerns and regulatory misalignments, has been resolved through these revised standards. With counter-seasonal production that complements Northern Hemisphere supply, South African apples are expected to offer Thai consumers year-round availability of high-quality produce. The reentry is expected to diversify Thailand's fruit imports and meet growing demand driven by increased health awareness. Local retailers are already showing strong interest through planned promotions and in-store sampling.
As of April 1, 2025, apple inventories in the US totaled 92 million bushels, reflecting a 3% YoY decrease from the 95 million bushels recorded in Apr-24. However, despite the YoY decline, current stock levels remain 16% above the five-year average for this date, indicating overall supply strength. Fresh apple holdings stood at 66 million bushels, while processing apples accounted for 26 million bushels, both categories down 3% YoY. Based on a monthly survey covering over 95% of national storage, the data shows that storage trends continue to influence supply and market expectations.
Despite the current drop in local demand, Ontario apples continue to provide significant economic, environmental, and quality-related benefits to both consumers and producers.
In the US, apple prices increased slightly by 0.84% week-on-week (WoW) to USD 1.24/kg in W15 due to steady demand for fresh apples and moderate storage drawdowns that kept supplies balanced without overwhelming the market. However, month-on-month (MoM) and YoY prices dropped by 0.77% and 5.85%, respectively, due to larger-than-average inventories still lingering above the five-year average. The surplus of fresh and processing-grade apples, alongside muted export momentum and competitive pricing from other apple-producing regions, has limited upward price movements on a broader scale.
Chile's apple prices dropped by 8.11% WoW to USD 1.18/kg in W15, reflecting a 5.91% MoM decrease, as early-season harvests and intensified export efforts to Brazil boosted overall supply. The increase in available volumes has put pressure on both domestic and export prices. At the same time, improved logistics and lower shipping costs to Brazil have allowed exporters to offer more competitive pricing in this key regional market. This has encouraged a volume-driven approach aimed at gaining market share. However, while this strategy is expanding Chile’s presence in Brazil, it is also temporarily lowering per-kilogram returns as the market absorbs the surplus.
Apple prices in South Africa fell by 13.87% WoW to USD 0.95/kg in W15, with a 10.62% MoM drop and a 35.76% YoY decrease. The price drop is due to continued logistical backlogs at Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT), which have slowed export clearance and increased local availability. Combined with rising harvest volumes and limited cold storage capacity, this has led to oversupply in the local market. Additionally, while renewed exports to Thailand mark a positive development, shipment volumes remain low in the early stages of market reentry, providing limited immediate relief to price pressures. Elevated freight rates and soft demand in some international markets are also delaying exporter recovery, further contributing to weak farm-gate prices.
In W15, France's apple prices rose by 8.35% WoW to USD 1.44/kg, marking a 10.01% MoM increase due to stronger export momentum, particularly to non-European Union (EU) markets such as the Middle East and Asia, driven by limited Northern Hemisphere availability and stable French quality. The uptick also reflects improved domestic demand in response to promotional campaigns and favorable post-Easter retail activity. However, there is a 3.34% YoY drop due to lingering price sensitivity among European consumers, competition from lower-priced apples from Poland and Italy, and subdued economic recovery across key importing countries, which continue to affect overall market sentiment.
Apple growers in Kashmir should prioritize improving packaging and grading processes to meet the increasing demand for premium-quality apples in global markets. By investing in better packaging solutions, such as eco-friendly materials and branded packaging, they can enhance product presentation and shelf life. Additionally, implementing more consistent grading standards will help meet international quality requirements, ensuring that apples from Kashmir stand out in competitive markets. Growers should collaborate with local packaging firms to introduce innovative designs and test new formats that appeal to high-end markets, particularly in Europe and the Middle East.
Apple producers and storage managers in the US should focus on optimizing storage conditions and processing strategies to maintain a stable supply and meet market demand. Given the current inventory levels, it is crucial to enhance the efficiency of storage facilities to reduce potential spoilage and improve apple quality for longer shelf life. Additionally, processors should explore innovative methods for preserving apples or diversifying product offerings, such as expanding into value-added products like apple cider or dried apples, to mitigate the impact of supply fluctuations. By better aligning storage and processing capabilities with market needs, producers can ensure consistent availability and reduce excess inventory buildup.
Chilean apple exporters should leverage the growing demand in Brazil by strengthening their market presence and expanding promotional efforts. With Brazil surpassing other Latin American markets, exporters need to enhance relationships with Brazilian distributors and retail chains. Offering tailored marketing campaigns or introducing new apple varieties could help differentiate Chilean apples in a competitive market. Additionally, exploring efficient logistics partnerships to further reduce costs and maintain a competitive edge will be key to maintaining profitability. By focusing on building brand recognition and deepening distribution networks, Chile can solidify its dominant position in the Brazilian market and boost overall exports.
Sources: Tridge, Cimcoe Reformer, Eastfruit, Freshplaza, Kashmir Observer, Portalfruticola, Reportediario, US Apple Association
Read more relevant content
Recommended suppliers for you
What to read next
