New research finds British apples have a low water footprint compared with European or southern hemisphere origins, while greenhouse gas emissions are comarable across the UK, Europe and Chile
British apples have a negligible blue water footprint compared to imports from Europe and the southern hemisphere, according to a new peer-reviewed study looking at the environmental impact of UK topfruit.
The study, conducted by Cranfield University and published in Agricultural Water Management, analysed greenhouse gas emissions and blue water scarcity impacts across the UK apple supply chain, comparing domestic production with imports from Europe and the southern hemisphere over the period 2016 to 2025.
The findings show that British apples have a negligible blue water scarcity footprint due to predominantly rain-fed production. In contrast, apples imported from some regions, including South Africa and Spain, contribute to water scarcity impacts because of irrigation requirements in water-stressed locations.
In terms of greenhouse gas emissions, the study found that total emissions per kilogram generated at the orchard production stage of apples are broadly similar for UK, European and Chilean apples.
The largest post-harvest and pre-onward transport contributor to emissions across all origins is cold storage.
Northern hemisphere apples were shown to have significantly lower emissions than southern hemisphere imports when maritime shipping is included, which is a major emissions driver.
“Our analysis shows that sourcing decisions matter,” said lead author and emeritus professor of water and food systems at Cranfield University, Tim Hess.
“Apples grown in the UK and Northern Europe deliver low water-scarcity impacts while maintaining comparable greenhouse gas performance.
”This highlights the value of regional sourcing in managing environmental trade-offs across the supply chain,” he added.
The research identified cold storage efficiency, decarbonisation and yield optimisation as opportunities to drive further emissions reduction in British apples. It also demonstrated that sourcing choices affect national environmental outcomes, particularly in relation to water scarcity.
“This research provides robust, independent evidence that British apples play a crucial role in reducing exposure to global water risk within the UK supply chain,” said executive chair of British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL), Ali Capper.
“The research also highlights the importance of energy-efficient cold storage,” she said. ”Government support through capital allowances would enable growers to further invest in modern, low-carbon storage infrastructure, helping to cut emissions, improve efficiency and secure a reliable and even better year-round supply of British apples.”
