Polish apple orchards experienced frost damage to flower buds in late April and early May, leading to heavy bud fall across several regions. This was compounded by hailstorms in the latter half of May. As a result, Poland’s apple production for 2024 is estimated at nearly 3.4 million tonnes, marking a 13.1% decrease from the previous year, as reported by the Polish statistical office. However, this figure surpasses the World Apple and Pear Association (WAPA) initial forecast of 3.2 million tonnes for 2024.
Regarding apple concentrate production, market sources project a decrease to approximately 220,000 tonnes for the 2024/25 marketing year, down from 255,000 tonnes in the 2023/24 period. The Expana Benchmark Price (EBP) for high-acidity apple juice has reached €2,650 per metric tonne as of December 31, indicating a 43.2% year-on-year increase. Meanwhile, the EBP for medium-acidity apple juice stands at €2,400/MT, up by 22.5% year-on-year. Despite these price hikes, trading activity remains subdued as buyers have sufficient short-term coverage.
Market sources anticipate a resurgence in trading activity by mid-February. Despite the lower production and limited volumes, there is no immediate concern among buyers regarding stock shortages, though they are approaching their purchasing strategies with caution.
Source: Mintec/Expana
