British apple crops will be smaller and sweeter due to last year’s heatwave impacting their growth and development.
- The heat and drought in 2022 led to inconsistent apple yields across UK orchards, affecting overall production volumes.
- Despite a cooler summer enhancing apple flavour, 2023’s crop will be smaller than last year’s, with production costs increasing.
- Supermarkets are urged to offer fair returns as growers face rising costs and insufficient government support on energy prices.
- October is designated British Apple Month to raise awareness of apples as a ‘hidden superfood’ amid ongoing industry challenges.
British apple crops this year are anticipated to be smaller and notably sweeter, a direct consequence of last summer’s heat and drought. According to British Apples and Pears Limited (BAPL), the high temperatures in 2022 led to an inconsistency in crop yields across UK orchards. Some orchards yielded an abundance of fruit, whereas others produced considerably less, even within the same vicinity.
This summer’s cooler climate has increased natural sugars in apples, enhancing their taste and flavour profile, yet this has not compensated for the reduced overall crop sizes compared to last year’s bumper yield. The median cost of producing a kilo of British Gala apples reached £1.26, as reported by BAPL earlier this year. The organisation is collaborating with retailers to promote British apples, designating October as British Apple Month in a bid to highlight the fruit’s status as a ‘hidden superfood’.
The UK apple industry continues to face significant challenges, including sustained cost pressures. Energy prices remain elevated compared to 18 months ago, placing additional financial strain on growers who are not receiving the governmental support allocated to other sectors. BAPL Chair, Ali Capper, expressed that the industry’s growing and storage costs continue to inflate yearly, compounded by this year’s smaller crop size. “Growers are especially delighted about the expected eating experience of the new season apples,” Capper stated, praising the maintained flavour profile. Unfortunately, cost pressures have yet to ease, despite the superior taste. Particularly concerning is the grubbing of Cox and Bramley orchards, raising alarms over industry sustainability.
Supermarkets are being called upon to provide fair compensation for apple growers to counteract these enduring challenges. Earlier this year, information was released indicating that Aldi may soon surpass Tesco as the largest seller of British apples in the UK. The promotion of British Apples is an ongoing effort to sustain the industry amidst financial and environmental pressures.
The British apple industry is striving to maintain quality amidst adversity, with a focus on sustainability and fair compensation from retailers.
