To mark World Apple Day 2025, international sustainability organisation Forum for the Future has published a major new report, The Future of UK Orchard Fruit, setting out a vision for a thriving, climate-resilient future for Britain’s apple, pear and plum growers.
As one of the key contributors to the report, British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL) features in a dedicated video case study showcasing the innovation, ambition, and commitment of UK commercial apple and pear growers. The video explores how technological advances and grower investment are driving productivity and resilience, while highlighting what is needed to safeguard the future of home-grown fruit.
“We welcome this new report. We are ambitions to grow the proportion of British apples sold in UK supermarkets from 40% to 60%. We know this is possible because in the last 20 years we have doubled the amount of apples produced from a static land area – this is an amazing productivity achievement.” said Ali Capper, Executive Chair of BAPL.
“Growers need long-term contracts and fair returns from the market, alongside significant tax reliefs from government, in order to make the investments needed in British orchards.”
Ali’s message underscores the importance of strong supply chain relationships, fair pricing, and supportive government policy to enable British growers to thrive. With more than half of the apples sold in UK supermarkets currently imported, the report’s findings make clear that now is the time to strengthen domestic production and secure a sustainable future for British fruit.
The BAPL video case study — one of three produced for the project — offers an inside look at the innovation happening in British orchards today, from cutting-edge growing techniques to investment in new varieties and technology.
BAPL’s participation in this project reflects its ongoing mission to champion British growers, promote home-grown fruit, and ensure that consumers, retailers and policymakers alike recognise the value of a vibrant domestic apple and pear industry.