Argentina apple growers face hail damage and Chilean competition

The 2026 apple season in Argentina's Alto Valle ended on a mixed note. A hailstorm before harvest damaged several hectares, lowering fruit quality and overall volume. The reduced harvest paradoxically eased sales, preventing the build‑up of unsold stock.

Domestic demand weakened as consumers faced lower purchasing power and the market turned quiet. Argentine growers also contended with strong competition from Chile, whose newer apple varieties are considered higher quality. Costs rose while international apple prices stayed flat, squeezing margins.

Patagonia Infinit’s Hernán Pestrin said the sector’s biggest challenges are the need for new varieties and the deteriorating cost structure. The company plans to visit Chilean nurseries to source fresh cultivars, aiming to replace hectares each year with more market‑competitive apples.

Overall, the season highlighted climate risk, market pressure and the urgency of varietal renewal for the Argentine apple industry.