Extreme winter temperatures in Poland — dropping as low as -20°C — caused significant damage to apple buds, and early forecasts now point to a potential 50 percent reduction in next season's yield. Poland is one of Europe's largest apple producers and a major exporter, so a crop cut of this magnitude would have wide market implications.
Poland regularly ships apples across Europe and into global markets, and a 50 percent shortfall would tighten supply and push prices higher across the continent. Other European apple sourcing regions would likely see increased demand as buyers scramble to fill gaps.
It's early in the forecast cycle and final numbers won't be confirmed until summer, but this is a story to track closely. North American buyers sourcing European varieties or watching global apple pricing should keep this on their radar.