UK apple and pear growers share predictions for harvest 2025
7th August 2025
September 2025 will mark the start of the new British apple and pear season, and UK growers say that a dry growing season has not hampered the developing fruit. Instead, 2025 could be the best for quality and flavour for many years.
Young apples and pears are now growing and ripening slowly in orchards across the UK. Growers have been reviewing their crops closely and have set out the following predictions for the coming season, British Apples & Pears (BAPL) said.
They reported that apple volumes are generally looking good. While variations from orchard to orchard exist, the overall apple crop is looking well. Expectations are that the volumes will slightly increase compared to 2024.
The apple skin finish is excellent, with much of the russet seen last year not so prevalent this year. The warm, sunny weather over recent weeks is generating a delicious, sweet flavour profile, growers said.
Fruit trees are holding up well in dry conditions. Apple and pear growers have been keeping a close eye on whether the lack of rain is stressing their trees. Fortunately, the vast majority of orchard trees are holding up well. However, some orchards have experienced recent hail damage to their fruit, which is a concern at this late stage in the season.
BAPL added that British growers are keeping their fingers crossed the weather will be kind from now on to protect the wonderful crop developing this year.
‘We’re very hopeful that 2025 will be a great British apple and pear year’
Commenting on the grower predictions, Ali Capper, executive chair of British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL), said: “For once the spring weather has been quite kind to growers. The fruit really is looking stunning, and we’re very hopeful that 2025 will be a great British apple and pear year.
“However, there is still time for the weather to affect the size of the fruit. Substantial rainfall will likely increase the size, while dry conditions will likely mean smaller fruit. What we do know is that whatever the size, the skin finish and sweet flavour profile will be very appealing to consumers.”
As in recent years, BAPL members are working closely with retailers to create in-store theatre celebrating the best of British top fruit from the month of October 2025 onwards.
TV advertising and strong social media promotion in recent years really helped to raise the profile of new season apples with shoppers. It is hoped that this year will be an even bigger celebration, BAPL explained.
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