France, known for cultivating over 100 apple varieties, has maintained relatively stable production levels despite the challenges posed by climate change. The country's unique climate and fertile soil have historically supported a diverse range of apples. However, shifting global weather patterns are now posing significant challenges to fruit cultivation, particularly across Europe.
In 2023, Europe faced one of its most challenging harvests, and projections for 2024 suggest it will be the second-lowest apple production year of the century. Severe frost conditions in Eastern Europe have contributed to a sharp decline in overall yields, with production expected to drop by 1.3 million tons from the previous year, totaling just 10.2 million tons.
Stable production in France despite regional decline
Amid the broader European downturn, France's apple production has remained relatively stable, reaching 1.4 million tons in 2024—slightly lower than 2023 but consistent with the three-year average. This reflects the resilience of France's apple industry in the face of climate-related challenges.
Production outcomes have varied significantly across different apple varieties. Yields for major French apple types such as Golden and Gala have increased by 8% and 1%, respectively. However, other varieties have experienced substantial declines. Granny Smith and Fuji apples saw production drops of 26% to 30%. Additionally, club varieties and local selections, including Pink Lady and Jazz, recorded declines of 10% and 19%, respectively.
For more than two decades, French apple growers have adopted innovative agricultural practices to counter the impacts of climate change. These measures include precision irrigation, soil management, and environmentally friendly pest control methods. Such practices aim to enhance the resilience of orchards while promoting sustainable production and protecting the environment.
Promoting French apples in international markets
To introduce French apple varieties to international consumers and promote sustainable farming, INTERFEL, a French fresh fruit and vegetable association, organized a series of promotional activities in Malaysia from December 2024 to March 2025. These activities included workshops, consumer roadshows, and in-store sampling events at major retail outlets such as AEON, Lotus, Econsave, and Jaya Grocer.
One of the events, a kombucha workshop, focused on showcasing innovative ways of using French apples. The workshop involved 20 local influencers, while in-store sampling and roadshow events reached thousands of consumers. The events aimed to highlight the versatility of French apples and promote sustainable consumption practices.
Commitment to sustainable production
Today, nearly 1,300 French apple growers are committed to producing high-quality apples through environmentally responsible methods. Their ongoing efforts reflect a broader shift toward sustainable agriculture, with an emphasis on minimizing environmental impact while maintaining high standards of fruit quality.
As French apples remain in season until March 2025 in Malaysia, these initiatives aim to raise awareness of sustainable farming practices and promote the diverse culinary uses of apples. The focus remains on encouraging responsible consumption while supporting the global effort to minimize the environmental footprint of agricultural production.
For more information:
Victoire Genest
Interfel
Tel: +33 06 15 52 15 08
Email: v.genest@interfel.com
www.interfel.com