The Dutch apple harvest is expected to be 18 percent lower this year than in 2025, according to GroentenFruit Huis and the Dutch Fruit Growers Organisation (NFO). The pear harvest shows a different trend and is likely to increase by 10 percent.
Growers expect the apple harvest to reach 195 million kilos. The pear harvest may rise to 393 million kilos. Apple trees produced an above‑average yield last year.
Elstar remains the most widely grown apple variety in the Netherlands. Growers expect a harvest of 77 million kilos, a drop of 21 percent compared with last year. Jonagold follows with a projected harvest of 47 million kilos, a decrease of 20 percent. Kanzi and Rode Boskoop are the next most harvested varieties.
The outlook for pears is more positive. The trade organisations say there are more pears on Dutch trees this year than last year.
Apple acreage in the Netherlands has been declining for years. This year, the area fell by 3 percent to 4,902 hectares. Over the past decade, growers have reduced apple acreage by more than 2,000 hectares. Pear cultivation covers 9,995 hectares this year. Since 2018, the pear acreage has remained close to 10,000 hectares.
The final weeks of the growing season will determine the final yield and fruit quality. Water availability remains crucial. From the end of August, the new harvest of the main apple and pear varieties will reach the market. Growers say they remain positive about the season, even though hail, dry periods, and additional regulations have created new challenges.
@ANP | News Brainport
