Inflationary pressures around orchard management and post-harvest operations are behind an expected rise in costs for apple and pear growers in 2026, according to new research by the British Apples & Pears association
British apple and pear growers will face around two per cent increase in overall cost of production for the 2026 season, according to new figures commissioned by trade body British Apples and Pears (BAPL).
The rising costs will be driven primarily by persistent inflationary pressures across key areas of orchard management and post-harvest operations.
Growing and harvest costs will rise by nearly three per cent; overheads are set to increase by three per cent; and storage, grading, packing and marketing costs together are expected to be up by two per cent.
The data represents a continued squeeze on grower margins at a time when the sector is already under strain from labour cost rises, energy price volatility, and structural cost increases, according to BAPL.
“Once again, independent analysis confirms that the cost of growing, storing and packing British apples and pears continues to rise,” said BAPL executive chair, Ali Capper.
”Growers cannot absorb these increases. Fair returns are required to protect investments in orchard area, storage and packing facilities.
“These cost increases are modest in percentage terms but critical in real-world impact. They compound year after year, and growers are now operating on margins that are unsustainably thin,” she said.
”If retailers want a thriving British apple and pear sector, they must reflect these genuine, independent cost increases in the returns to growers.”
To safeguard the future of British apple and pear production, BAPL wants UK retailers to:
1. Provide fair, sustainable returns, recognise independently verified inflation in growers’ costs and ensure that returns enable reinvestment.
2. Commit to long-term partnerships by offering multi-year supply relationships that provide growers with confidence to plant and maintain orchards and infrastructure.
3. Prioritise British apples and pears wherever possible, strengthening the resilience of the UK’s food system.
“Shoppers want British fruit,” Capper continued. “But without investment, we cannot deliver the volumes, quality and innovation that consumers expect. Fair returns today secure British apples and pears for tomorrow.
“Our ambition is clear: to grow British apples’ market share and increase availability for shoppers. We know consumers want more British fruit. With the right long-term conditions, we can expand production, invest in innovation, modernise our stores, and bring forward exciting new varieties.”
