British apple and pear news
Could 2026 be the year of the pear?
British growers report an exceptionally sweet new-season crop following a record-breaking summer. British pear growers say this year’s crop could be among the sweetest they have tasted in decades, prompting British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL) to ask whether 2026...
BAPL annual orchard event celebrates record season and showcases new harvest
British Apples & Pears brought growers, retailers, government colleagues and industry partners together at its annual orchard event in Kent on Wednesday 16 September to celebrate a record season for British apples and pears. Speaking at the event, Executive Chair...
BAPL retailer of the year awards
Record British apple and pear sales as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Lidl and Aldi win the 2026 BAPL Retailer Awards Combined annual sales reach 180,506 tonnes, up 10.4%, as Tesco edges Aldi by just 190 tonnes for the highest British apple sales award. British Apples &...
British Apples & Pears publishes regenerative growing definition
British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL) has published a new definition of regenerative apple and pear growing, providing the industry with a clear, crop-specific framework for understanding and advancing regenerative practices in commercial orchards. Developed for...
Best British Apple Launch Award 2026
British Apples & Pears Limited’s (BAPL) Best British Apple Launch Award 2026 is now open for retailer planning. As last year, this award will celebrate the most impactful, creative, and effective campaigns or activations that support the start of the British...
British Apples & Pears appoints Claire Donovan as Executive Chair
British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL) has appointed Claire Donovan as its next Executive Chair following a comprehensive recruitment process. Claire will join the organisation on 1 September 2026, working alongside current Executive Chair Ali Capper during a...
Five leading top fruit growers share harvest optimisation insights with more than 30 BAPL members
More than 30 apple and pear growers attended BAPL’s Harvest Optimisation Grower Workshop, where five of the UK’s leading commercial apple growers shared the practical techniques, systems and approaches they use to improve harvest efficiency, fruit quality...
British growers predict exceptional flavour from the 2026 apple and pear harvest
Reliable crop volumes, outstanding eating quality and a call for flexibility on natural variation. September will mark the start of the new British apple and pear season, with growers predicting a harvest that will deliver great flavour and good supplies throughout...
Leading top fruit growers share harvest optimisation best practice at BAPL workshop
On 31 July 2026, British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL) is bringing together five of the UK’s most experienced commercial apple growers to share the practical techniques, systems and approaches they use to deliver successful harvests. The BAPL Smart Orchard...
Record British apple sales as retailer of the year race enters final stretch
Nine months into the current British apple season, UK supermarkets have bought a record volume of British apples from growers, with the race for BAPL Retailer of the Year entering its final stretch. British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL), which represents UK...
British apple and pear growers face fresh cost inflation as Middle East conflict pushes up input prices
British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL) has commissioned independent analysis to assess the likely cost of production impact of the current conflict in Iran on British apple and pear growers. While the full picture is still emerging, the latest update from Andersons...
Lidl wins inaugural best British apple launch award
Lidl has been named winner of the inaugural Best British Apple Launch Award 2025, presented by British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL), after delivering a strong instore and online campaign that achieved double-digit sales growth during the crucial British apple and...
BAPL retailer webinar
On 25th March 2026, BAPL held its annual retailer webinar. Broadcaster, Charlotte Smith, expertly introduced and chaired the event, which gave retailers, political stakeholders and others the chance to hear direct from BAPL growers. BAPL executive chair, Ali Capper,...
BAPL AGM – 24th March 2026
British Apples & Pears Limited held its annual AGM at NIAB‘s new Mumford Building in East Malling, Kent and online (via Zoom) on Tuesday, 24th March 2026 BAPL was delighted to share the day with friends and colleagues from the National Fruit Show. The...
UK apple and pear growers warn of rising audit burden and labour pressure – as Middle East conflict triggers a fresh input cost shock
British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL) has published findings from its latest grower survey (conducted in late 2025), showing that audit and compliance demands and labour costs are the dominant pressures on UK apple and pear businesses. Farm assurance,...
New research confirms environmental advantage of British applesÂ
New peer-reviewed research has reinforced the environmental credentials of British apples, highlighting their low water footprint and competitive greenhouse gas performance within the UK fresh apple supply chain. The study conducted by Cranfield University and...
BAPL R&D meeting, hosted by Niab on 10 February 2026
British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL) R&D meeting 2026 With colleagues from Niab, the BAPL research and development team hosted a full day of presentations from researchers and experts to share the latest in crop protection technologies and approaches. More...
Biochar and the journey to net zero for British apples and pears
British apple and pear growers are taking practical steps to reduce emissions and build more climate-resilient orchards. A new project report, commissioned by British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL) explores how biochar could play a key role in that journey....
BAPL Smart Orchard Grower Workshop highlights practical pruning for healthier, more profitable orchards
BAPL grower members gathered at Brook Farm, Wingham on 20 January for a BAPL Smart Orchard Grower Workshop focused on pruning – combining disease management, commercial decision-making and hands-on learning to support both orchard health and returns. The workshop...
BAPL secures £200k ADOPT project funding to cut fertiliser use and improve orchard establishment
British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL) has secured funding worth £200,000 for two new applied research projects through the ADOPT project, strengthening the organisation’s grower-led research and development work aimed at improving sustainability, resilience and...
British apple and pear growers warn of rising cost pressures in 2026
New analysis commissioned by British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL) from Andersons Farm Consulting highlights that UK apple and pear growers will face around a 2% increase in overall cost of production for the 2026 season, driven by persistent inflationary...
New call for research proposals on IPM in apples and pears
British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL) research and development team has published a research call for proposals aimed at improving integrated pest and disease management (IPM) in commercial apples and pears. The new apple and pear IPM research programme will...
BAPL and Niab annual R&D meeting on 10 February 2026
The BAPL research and development team will again be hosting its annual R&D meeting on 10th February 2026 in the Mumford Building at Niab East Malling, Kent. Following the success of last year’s collaboration, this year’s event is again being hosted...
New voiceover released for Pip and the Apples
Pip and the Apples is a children’s book that follows the journey of a young boy adjusting to life beside a beautiful apple orchard. As he settles into a new school and makes new friends, he begins to discover the wonders of how apples grow — from blossom to...
BAPL and Oxbury Bank launch tailored finance solutions for help British apple and pear growers invest and expand
British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL) has announced a new partnership with Oxbury Bank, the UK’s specialist agricultural bank, to provide bespoke financial solutions for British apple and pear growers. The partnership is designed to help growers invest in orchard...
Two months into new British apple season and discounters once again lead the way
September and October saw strong volumes of new season British apples supplied by British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL) growers. Once again, Aldi and Lidl were the standout performers, racing ahead of the competition and giving a great boost to British growers....
Securing the future of British apple growing: BAPL’s contribution to new national orchard report
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...
British Apple Retailer of the Year 2025
Tesco is British Apple Retailer of the Year 2025, Asda is most improved and Sainsbury’s receives two British pear retailer awards. British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL), the UK top fruit grower association, is delighted to announce Tesco is the 2025 BAPL...
BAPL orchard event looks to future sector growth
On Wednesday 17th September 2025, BAPL hosted an orchard event to showcase the British apple harvest for retailers and political stakeholders. Set amongst extensive Gala, Jazz and Pink Lady orchards in Kent, the event showcased apple picking, the 2025 crop and...
Announcing the Best British Apple Launch Award 2025
British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL) is proud to announce the launch of a brand-new award: the Best British Apple Launch Award. This award will celebrate the most impactful, creative, and effective campaigns or activations that support the start of the...
Good crop, superb skin finish and sweeter taste: UK apple and pear growers share their predictions for the 2025 harvest
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...
Largest ever UK apple and pear tree census and storage survey indicates ‘pivotal moment’ for the sector
As part of its long-term strategic planning, British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL), the top fruit grower organisation, has conducted two in-depth studies (orchard census and storage survey) of current and future UK apple and pear orchard infrastructure. The...
Veg Power to promote apple and pear snacking
Veg Power is launching an #AttackTheSnack campaign and promoting health snacking on British apples and pears for children. The campaign runs during the summer and into the new British apple and pear season in September and October. The campaign will specifically...
Tesco starts to pull ahead in the battle for British apple top spot
Nine months into the current British apple and pear season and the competition for BAPL retailer of the year is hotting up. British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL) represents UK growers and collates monthly data on how many British apples and pears UK retailers are...
UK apple growers target Vietnam in new export push for premium fruit
For the last few years, the top fruit grower association, British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL), has been running a dedicated export grower group to explore potential markets for premium, larger-size British apples. Now, the BAPL board has approved seed...
Beat hay fever naturally: How quercetin in British apples can help
As spring and summer roll in, so do the dreaded symptoms of hay fever—itchy eyes, sneezing fits, and a runny nose that won’t quit. For many allergy sufferers, relief often comes from over-the-counter antihistamines. But did you know that nature might offer a gentler,...
BAPL retailer webinar
On 3rd April 2025, BAPL held its annual retailer webinar. Broadcaster, Charlotte Smith, expertly introduced and chaired the event, which gave retailers, political stakeholders and others the chance to hear direct from BAPL growers. BAPL executive chair, Ali Capper,...
BAPL AGM – 2nd April 2025
British Apples & Pears Limited held its annual AGM at NIAB‘s new Mumford Building in East Malling, Kent and online (via Zoom) on Wednesday, 2nd April 2025. BAPL was delighted to share the day with friends and colleagues from the National Fruit Show. The...
Aldi and Tesco battle for British apple and pear top spot, while Asda performance soars
Six months into the current British apple and pear season and the competition for BAPL retailer of the year is hotting up. British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL) represents UK growers and collates monthly data on how many British apples and pears UK retailers are...
April tax changes will increase apple prices and stifle orchard investment, according to growers
Food inflation is on the rise again, according to British Apple & Pears Limited (BAPL), the UK top fruit grower association. The anticipated increases in apples are a direct consequence of government policy to increase the costs of employment. From 6th April...
How long do British apples store in the fridge?
Do you keep your apples in the fridge or the fruit bowl? One of the great things about British apples is that they are great value because there is so little food waste. You can buy a pack of apples and, if you keep them in your fridge, they’ll still be as...
Apples can help with sleep
An apple a day … could be good for our sleep! Snacking on an apple in the evening could be the ideal way to ensure you get a night of quality rest. According to Manchester University, apples contain tryptophan which prompts the production of the sleep hormone...
BAPL/Niab R&D meeting on 10 February 2025
British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL) R&D meeting 2025. With colleagues from Niab, the BAPL research and development team hosted a full day of presentations from researchers and experts to share the latest in crop protection technologies and approaches. More...
Aldi again tops new season British apple sales
September 2024 marked the official start of the new British apple season and the latest data from British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL) reveals which retailers were best at backing British in the first four months of the apple year. As in the 2023/24 season, Aldi...
BAPL and Niab annual R&D meeting on 10 February 2025
The BAPL research and development team will again be hosting its annual R&D day on 10th February 2025 in the Mumford Building at Niab East Malling, Kent. This year the event is being hosted jointly with Niab. BAPL members will be given priority booking for...
Food price inflation – a warning about what to expect in 2025
A new analysis of costs facing British apple and pear growers indicates that food price rises – inflation – Â in 2025 are now an inevitable consequence of recent government policy. Put simply, new analysis has revealed that the latest budget announcements...
New call for research proposals on IPM in apples and pears
British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL) research and development team has published a research call for proposals aimed at improving integrated pest and disease management (IPM) in commercial apples and pears. Â The new apple and pear IPM research programme will...
It’s time to act to save British food production
Ali Capper, executive chair of BAPL, shares her response to the October 2024 budget announcements. Has the government fully considered the consequences of its recent budget decisions? The price of home-grown food will rise Home-grown food production will fall Climate...
First month of new British apple and pear season and discounters set the pace
September saw good volumes of new season British apples available from British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL) growers, but not all UK supermarkets were quick to stock their shelves. Aldi and Lidl both hit the ground running with strong September performances for...
Tesco recognised as British apple supermarket of the year 2024
Tesco recognised as BAPL Apple Retailer of the Year 2024 Lidl achieves best year-on-year performance British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL), the UK top fruit grower association, is delighted to announce Tesco is the 2024 apple retailer of the year. The award is...
BAPL orchard event looks to future sector growth
On Wednesday 18th September 2024, BAPL hosted an orchard event to showcase the British apple harvest for retailers and political stakeholders. Set among extensive Gala apple orchards in Kent, the event showcased apple picking, the 2024 crop and plans for future...
Apples and pears in the top five of the superfood league table
New scientific research reveals that apples and pears are in the top five for nutritional quality. They truly are a superfood. We all know that fruit and vegetables are good for us, but some pack a bigger nutritional punch than others. The research, published in The...
Good crop, larger apples and great flavour: UK growers share their predictions for the 2024 harvest
September 2024 will mark the start of the new British apple season and UK growers say that an early start to the growing season has resulted in a good volume of slightly larger apples. Young apples are now growing and ripening slowly in orchards across the UK. Growers...
Audit challenges for UK apple and pear growers
Audit summary. British growers are at the top when it comes to world standards of apple and pear production. They are also one of the most audited in the world. BAPL continues to support those high standards while also ensuring that the audit burden is fairly...
BAPL publishes new report into plastic packaging and calls for cross-industry taskforce
As the fresh produce industry, retailers and NGOs continue to explore ways to reduce plastic in the supply and sale of fresh produce, British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL) has published a new report into potential solutions. Â The report was written by Claire...
BAPL calls for proper consultation concerning proposed SMETA changes
BAPL STATEMENT ON PROPOSED SMETA CHANGES – 10 July 2024 BAPL has called on SEDEX to pause its introduction of changes to its SMETA 7.0 standard. BAPL says that the proposed changes cannot be implemented or audited correctly, and risk food inflation of around...
Apples are great for your gut
From stomach to colon – the whole gut health benefits of apples A new scientific study has summarised the significant gut health benefits of apples to the whole of our digestive tract. Bringing together lots of published research, the study published in the...