Polish apple exporters confront frost‑hit harvest and tough export markets

Late‑April frosts and hailstorms in southern Poland have damaged orchards, shrinking the expected 2026/2027 harvest of varieties such as Jonagold, Idared and Ligol, while Gala and Golden Delicious remain relatively abundant. Exporters warn that an oversupply of apples across Europe and competitive crops from Italy, Greece and Turkey will pressure prices.

Polish exporters say access to new South American markets, notably Ecuador and Brazil, has proved difficult, limiting diversification. Demand is growing from Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, but large stocks of apples stored in EU refrigerated facilities are moving slowly. Companies plan to accelerate sales after harvest and avoid prolonged cold‑storage, emphasizing quality and competitive pricing to retain existing buyers.

To offset rising costs, firms are exploring greater automation of packing lines, including robotics and artificial‑intelligence tools, though adoption depends on technology affordability and integration speed.