Trentino-based cooperative says it will have fewer apples available in 2026 as European output hits nine-year low
Italian apple marketer Melinda says it expects a smaller harvest in 2026 but insists the quality of its production in the Val di Non, in the region of Trentino, remains high.
Speaking at Fruit Attraction in Madrid, Melinda board member and Assomela president Ennio Magnani said the Golden Delicious variety had proved particularly resilient this season.
“The excellence of production, driven by our PDO varieties, is the best guarantee in an increasingly competitive market: in Val di Non, the Golden variety, in particular, has demonstrated its ability to withstand anything this year, demonstrating extraordinary quality.”
European Union apple production is forecast at 9.5mn tonnes in 2026, down 16 per cent on the previous year and the lowest for nine years, while Italian output is expected to fall 2 per cent to more than 2.2mn tonnes.
The decline is expected to be more pronounced in Trentino, although with harvesting still underway the company said it was too early to ascertain final figures.
“This year we will have fewer apples available, but the overall quality will be truly excellent,” commented Nicola Magnani, sales manager at Melinda. “The domestic market remains a key player, and we will be committed to ensuring that our outstanding products have a valuable presence throughout the season, thanks to their extraordinary quality.”
Melinda, Italy’s leading apple brand, has sought to grow in recent years by targeting new sales in foreign markets, as well as creating new consumer demand with the development of 100 per cent natural, fruit-based processed products, through its subsidiary Melinda Labs.
“In addition to strengthening our synergy with the processed food sector, our priorities include increasing the use of digital channels and new languages, and developing e-commerce as an additional point of contact and sales channel,” said marketing manager Andrea Fedrizzi.
“Online commerce, in fact, opens up new opportunities for offerings that appeal to young people.”
