Poland Retains EU Lead in Apple Production Despite Decline

Declining Harvests but Strong Position
Across the EU, apple production reached 11.6 million tonnes in 2024, down by about 4% compared with 2023. Poland felt the impact even more sharply, recording a 17% drop in output. This came on top of a 9% decline the previous year, reflecting how weather patterns and climate pressures are challenging fruit growers.

Despite these challenges, Poland still maintained its lead as Europe’s number one apple producer. Italy came second, with 21% of EU apple output, followed by France at 17%. Both countries have strong reputations for high-quality varieties, but Poland’s advantage lies in the sheer size of its orchards.

Polish orchards stretch across more than 150,000 hectares, dwarfing those of many Western European nations. Apples dominate these plantations, accounting for more than 90% of orchard output and about three-quarters of Poland’s total fruit production. This heavy focus on apples has made the country not only a European powerhouse but also a globally recognized player in the industry.

Why Poland Excels in Apple Production
Several factors explain Poland’s continued dominance in apple farming. First, its natural conditions are favorable for apple cultivation. The country’s fertile soils and moderate climate allow for large-scale production with relatively low costs. Regions such as Mazovia and Lublin are particularly well known for their apple orchards, which have supplied both domestic and international markets for generations.

Second, Poland benefits from a long tradition of apple growing. Family-owned orchards and cooperative farming models have developed strong expertise over decades. Many growers use a mix of traditional farming practices and modern techniques to balance quality with productivity.

Finally, affordability plays a role. Polish apples are often priced more competitively than those from Western Europe, making them attractive to buyers both inside the EU and beyond. While Italy and France focus more heavily on cultivating premium apple varieties, Poland produces large volumes that can serve different market segments—from juice and cider production to fresh consumption.

A Key Export Crop
Poland is not only the EU’s leading apple producer but also one of the world’s most significant exporters of the fruit. Globally, the country ranks fourth in apple production, behind China, Turkey, and the United States, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization. This scale gives Polish apples a major role in international trade.

In 2023, Poland exported more than 800,000 tonnes of apples. Roughly 55–60% of these exports were purchased by other EU nations, making the bloc Poland’s most important market. Germany, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands are among the largest buyers, though Polish apples also reach destinations in North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

The international appeal of Polish apples comes not just from their affordability but also from their quality. Known for their crisp texture and balanced flavor, they are often marketed as a product of both tradition and nature. For Poland, apples are more than just a fruit—they serve as a symbol of the country’s agricultural strength and competitiveness.

Challenges Facing Growers
Despite its strong position, Poland’s apple industry faces mounting challenges. Climate change is altering growing conditions, with unpredictable frosts, storms, and droughts affecting yields. Farmers have also reported rising costs of labor, fertilizers, and energy, which reduce profit margins.

Another challenge lies in the balance between quantity and quality. While Poland is unmatched in scale, Western European producers often capture premium markets due to their focus on specific high-value varieties. To remain competitive, many Polish farmers are diversifying their orchards, investing in modern storage facilities, and adopting new cultivation methods that improve fruit quality.

At the same time, trade disputes and shifting demand patterns have tested the industry. For example, Russia, once a major buyer of Polish apples, imposed a ban on imports in 2014. Since then, Polish exporters have had to find new markets, which required flexibility and adaptation.