Apple and pear growers are facing a 2% increase in cost of production for the 2026 season.
New analysis commissioned by British Apples & Pears from Andersons Farm Consulting has revealed that persistent inflationary pressures across key areas of orchard management and post-harvest operations are still having an impact.
The biggest areas of inflation are in growing and harvest costs, up nearly 3%, driven by labour-related activities such as pruning, thinning and harvesting.
Overhead costs have also gone up by 3%, including full-time labour, machinery depreciation, repairs, insurance, property costs and finance.
In additional storage, grading, packing and marketing increased by 2% and remain one of the largest absolute cost centres for growers.
Keeping apples on shelves
“These cost increases are modest in percentage terms but critical in real-world impact,” said executive chair Ali Capper. “They compound year after year, and growers are now operating on margins that are unsustainably thin.
“If retailers want a thriving British apple and pear sector, they must reflect these genuine, independent cost increases in the returns to growers.”
Capper added that fair returns were “required to protect investments in orchard area, storage and packing facilities”.
The organisation is also calling for more retailers to commit to long-term partnerships and support British produce.
“Our ambition is clear: to grow British apples’ market share and increase availability for shoppers,” said Capper. “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.”
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