Apple Orchards Report Successful Year in Apple Growing

Germany’s apple growers have reported a record-breaking harvest in 2025. The total yield reached roughly 1.138 million metric tons—well above early predictions of 1.022 million. This year’s crop also marks a 30.5% rise compared to 2024 and a 17.2% jump over the 10-year average.

The surge in production has drawn attention to key industry players and regional hubs. Apples dominated the tree fruit sector, making up 88.6% of the total harvest, while plums and damsons also saw notable gains.

The 2025 apple harvest far exceeded expectations, with yields climbing sharply across major growing regions. Lower Saxony, Hamburg, and Baden-Württemberg played a central role, hosting 65.5% of the country’s apple orchards and producing 72.6% of this year’s crop. These states have long been the backbone of Germany’s apple industry.

Of the total harvest, 75.5% will be sold as fresh table apples. Another 23.7% is set for processing into juice, preserves, or cider. The distribution reflects strong demand in both retail and industrial sectors. Behind the bumper crop stand influential companies shaping the market. Leading fruit traders and packing groups like Streekers/Fruchthandel and Obstgroßhandel Nienhüser, along with cooperatives such as Landgard and Humana/Elbe-Obst, have been key drivers. Major packers and exporters, including SÜDPACK/Deutsches Obstkontor and Obsthof Schuback, also played a vital role. Retail giants like Edeka, Rewe, and Lidl, which source their own produce, contributed to the high output. Large growers and processors, such as Knoop Obst, Boeckmann Obstbau, and Dörries Young Fruit, further bolstered production. Beyond apples, Germany’s plum and damson harvest reached 51,300 tons—a 17.1% increase over 2024 and 17.2% above the 2015–2024 average. Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate accounted for 63.2% of the plum crop, with yields surpassing their long-term averages. Most of this harvest, 87%, will be sold fresh, while 10.1% will go to processing.

The 2025 harvest has set new benchmarks for Germany’s fruit industry. With apples making up nearly 90% of the tree fruit yield and plums also performing strongly, growers and traders are preparing for a busy season. The record output will likely influence pricing, supply chains, and export opportunities in the coming months.