The latest data from the World Apple and Pear Association (WAPA) shows that European apple stocks were 14.5% higher at the start of March 2026 compared with the same time in 2025. The total volume of apple stocks in the block of 12 countries (including the UK) was at 2.74 million tonnes, compared to 2.39 million one year earlier. Movement figures showed that 676,946 tonnes of fruit had been moved up to 1st March 2026 compared to 644,034 tonnes for the same period in 2025.

At 80,310 tonnes, UK stocks increased 26.1% year-on-year, when they stood at 63,692 tonnes, but had reduced by 16,821 tonnes from February’s figure. Italy continued to hold the largest stock, with 873,268 tonnes of apples, up from 857,222 tonnes last year.

France had 439,423 tonnes, compared to 421,607 tonnes in 2025, while Germany stood at 267,436 tonnes, up from 150,724 tonnes in 2025. Poland’s stocks rose to 624,000 tonnes from 550,000 tonnes in the previous year, while the Netherlands reported 108,564 tonnes, up from 68,094 tonnes, while Belgium increased to 61,348 tonnes from 40,925 tonnes. Austria rose to 81,319 tonnes from 36,369 tonnes, and the Czech Republic rose to 23,375 tonnes from 7,735 tonnes.

Spain’s volume reduced to 134,129 tonnes from 146,049 tonnes, while Switzerland slightly decreased to 46,616 tonnes from 47,207 tonnes, and Denmark also declined to 3,032 tonnes from 5,319 tonnes.

Pear stocks in Europe for the same period rose 7% year-on-year, reaching 319,973 tonnes as of 1st March 2026, compared to 299,053 tonnes in 2025. Movement reached 140,003 tonnes in 2026, compared to 99,272 tonnes in the previous year.

The Netherlands held the largest volume at 151,823 tonnes, up from 123,369 tonnes. Belgium followed with 90,566 tonnes, compared to 61,421 tonnes. Spain increased to 24,742 tonnes from 16,998 tonnes, while Poland rose to 17,500 tonnes from 11,500 tonnes. Italy reported a decline to 18,306 tonnes from 32,054 tonnes, and France decreased to 5,501 tonnes from 6,270 tonnes. Germany increased slightly to 2,443 tonnes from 2,063 tonnes. Switzerland declined to 764 tonnes from 4,448 tonnes, while the UK increased to 7,590 tonnes from 4,488 tonnes. The Czech Republic rose to 737 tonnes from 604 tonnes, while Denmark reported no stocks. Portugal reported no stocks in 2026, compared to 35,838 tonnes in 2025.