Polish apple market faces price drops for Gala varieties

The Polish apple market is experiencing significant price fluctuations and supply challenges. Gala apple prices for fruit above 70 mm have dropped by approximately 30% year-over-year, with current offers ranging from 1.60 to 1.80 PLN/kg compared to 2.20–2.30 PLN/kg in the previous season. While Gala prices in international markets like the UAE and India have seen slight increases of 1–2 USD per bushel, domestic producers face frustration over lower returns.

Market experts from Bank PKO BP note that while high stocks and supply previously pressured prices downward, a projected decrease in harvests across Poland and the EU could lead to a gradual price recovery. Currently, industrial apple prices in regions like Grójec are hovering between 0.60 and 0.63 PLN/kg, though some processing plants in Sandomierz and the Lublin region offer slightly higher rates.

Supply remains limited for industrial varieties, with weekly deliveries in some areas amounting to only one or two truckloads. The market is currently awaiting the Champion apple harvest, which typically introduces a larger supply surge that could trigger further price reductions.