New study highlights environmental advantage of British apples

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 – notably parts of South Africa and Spain – contribute disproportionately to water scarcity impacts because of irrigation requirements in water-stressed locations. 

While these imports represent a minority share of total apple volume, they account for most of the water-scarcity impacts associated with apple consumption in the UK. 

Ali Capper, executive chair of British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL), said that the research provides “robust, independent evidence” that British apples play a crucial role in reducing exposure to global water risk within the UK supply chain.

“It underlines the strategic importance of domestic production as retailers and policymakers look to balance sustainability, resilience and food security. 

“The research also highlights the importance of energy-efficient cold storage. 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,” she continued. 

‘Sourcing decisions matter’

In terms of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE), 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 but pre-onwards transport GHGE contributor across all origins is generated by cold storage. 

Northern Hemisphere apples were shown to have significantly lower emissions from post-harvest stages than Southern Hemisphere imports when maritime shipping is included, which is a major emissions driver. 

Tim Hess, emeritus professor of water and food systems at Cranfield University and lead author, explained: “Our analysis shows that sourcing decisions matter. 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.” 

The research identifies cold storage efficiency, electricity decarbonisation and yield optimisation as the primary levers for further emissions reduction. It also demonstrates that sourcing mix choices materially affect national environmental outcomes, particularly in relation to water scarcity. 

The researchers note that maintaining a resilient, diverse supply base remains important, but that British apples offer clear environmental advantages within that mix. 

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