British apple and pear news
UPDATE: BAPL launches manifesto ahead of general election
MAY 2024 UPDATE Following government announcements in May 2024, the BAPL manifesto has been updated. VIEW THE UPDATED BAPL MANIFESTO In March 2024, British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL), the organisation representing commercial top fruit growers, published its...
BAPL responds to government announcements (May 2024)
May 2024 has been especially busy with government announcements of high relevance to British apple and pear growers. In this article, we summarise the two key government announcements relating to seasonal workers and fresh produce farming more broadly, and...
BAPL retailer webinar
On 30th April 2024, 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,...
British apple and pear supermarket performance, six months into the 2023 season
New six month sales data from BAPL Six months since the start of the British apple and pear season (starting October 2023), British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL) has analysed which supermarkets have surpassed last year’s performance and which are lagging behind....
The trees are talking!
How new ‘listening’ technologies could help British growers produce even better apples AI technologies could be coming to an orchard near you. Things are high tech now in some UK apple and pear orchards. The latest ideas involve ‘listening’ to...
BAPL AGM – 17th April 2024
British Apples & Pears Limited held its annual AGM at NIAB‘s new Mumford Building in East Malling, Kent and online (via Zoom) on Wednesday, 17th April 2024. The Mumford Building was an excellent venue for a well-attended and informative session. BAPL was...
Mind the gap – increasing cost of production 2024
New data reveals increasing cost of UK apple production British Apples and Pears Limited strengthens call for fairer returns. The cost of producing a kilo of British apples continues to rise for UK growers. In fact, new data reveals that UK growers have seen a further...
BAPL adds voice to industry feedback on contractual relationships
In February 2024, British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL) contributed to an industry-wide response to DEFRA’s consultation on contracts in the UK fresh produce sector. READ THE JOINT SUBMISSION ON CONTRACTUAL RELATIONSHIPS IN FRESH PRODUCEÂ The DEFRA...
BAPL R&D meeting on 31 January 2024
British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL) R&D meeting. 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. The meeting took place in Kent on 31...
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...
Aldi tops first quarter new season British apple sales, and Tesco rallies
October to December 2023 marked the first quarter of the new season British apple sales and the latest data from British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL) reveals which supermarkets were best at backing British. Having typically been in the top two of supermarkets for...
BAPL provides strong evidence and clear call for action to EFRA Committee
On Tuesday 9th January 2024, executive chair of BAPL, Ali Capper gave evidence to the EFRA (Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) Committee on Fairness in the Food Supply Chain. Watch the EFRA Select Committee recording Ali reminded the committee that over the last two...
Four simple steps to ensure you can buy British apples
We know you want to buy British apples and pears. Empower yourself to find delicious British apples and pears with these simple steps! Look for the Union Jack Start by keeping an eye out for the iconic Union Jack on packaging and signage. Some supermarkets even...
New data reveals British apple industry is on a knife-edge
Double digit cost of production increases, low returns and low grower confidence British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL) has published a new set of data that highlights the continued struggles for beleaguered UK top fruit growers. The full set of data is the largest...
Lidl tops British apple month sales as Tesco falls short of 2022 performance
British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL) has published sales figures for October 2023, which was British Apple Month and the first month proper of the British apple season. VIEW LATEST DATA In October 2023, Lidl significantly outperformed its market share, buying...
Aldi recognised as British apple supermarket of the year 2023
As we mark the start of British Apple Month 2023 (October), British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL), the UK top fruit grower association, is delighted to announce Aldi is the 2023 apple supermarket of the year. The award is based on BAPL member sales to British...
Audit overload: Ideas for saving time while maintaining high standards
We all want high standards when it comes to fresh produce. It’s something that sets British apples and pears apart from the rest of the world. Audits are an important way to ensure there is independent endorsement of the high standards and ethical practices apple and...
BAPL responds to BRC comments on BBC Countryfile
On Sunday 24 September 2023, BBC Countryfile broadcast a segment on the dire state of the British apple industry. Two British apple growers shared their personal experiences of the challenges they face and how low supermarket returns are causing them to make a loss...
British Apples and Pears Limited announces new research project
BRITISH APPLE LIFE CYCLE CARBON ASSESSMENT British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL), the UK top fruit grower association, has announced an expansion of its existing Farming Innovation Pathways feasibility project to analyse the impact of British apples on the...
TRADE RELEASE: Sunniest June for 66 years brings great tasting new season British apples
Issued 7th August 2023: Monday 2nd October 2023 will mark the start of the new British apple season and UK growers say that while it may not be a bumper crop, the taste and flavour of the new season fruit is excellent. The sunniest June since 1957[1] ensured young...
BAPL EFRA inquiry response
At the end of July 2023, British Apples & Pears Limited submitted a response to the EFRA Committee inquiry on fairness in the food supply chain. Read the BAPL written evidence. This eight-page BAPL response to the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs...
Links between eating apples and reduced frailty
A new research study, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, has found that a diet containing the flavonoid quercetin is associated with lower chances of developing frailty in our 60s. Frailty describes how our bodies gradually lose their in-built...
BAPL retailer webinar
On 16th May 2023, BAPL held its annual retailer webinar. BAPL executive chair, Ali Capper, provided an update on: Recent sales and market share data Plans to reinvigorate the apple and pear category Energy costs and inflation A grower panel discussion then followed...
BAPL House of Lords Horticulture Committee evidence and report
On 20th April 2023, Executive Chair of British Apples & Pears Limited, Ali Capper, gave oral evidence to the House of Lords Horticulture Committee. The oral evidence was a follow-up to written evidence already submitted to the Committee by BAPL. Read the BAPL...
True cost of apple production exposed
British Apples and Pears Limited calls for fairer returns. For the first time, an independent analysis has exposed the real cost of production crisis facing UK apple growers. The analysis, conducted by farm business consultants Andersons, reveals that it now costs...
Andersons cost of production report
Andersons Midlands calculates cost of production of Gala apples Analysis, conducted by farm business consultants, Andersons, reveals that it now costs £1.26 (median cost) to produce a kilo of British Gala apples. The analysis confirms what, anecdotally, growers have...
Electricity costs up 133% for UK apple growers
A survey of British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL) growers has revealed that they are paying more than twice as much for electricity in December 2022 than in the same month in 2021 and 2020. The median price paid by UK apple growers per kilowatt hour was 15p in...
Aldi sold more British apples than any other UK supermarket in February 2023
For the first time this season, Aldi has bought more British apples from UK growers than any other UK retailer. The latest data released by British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL) shows Aldi at the top of the chart, ahead of Tesco in second place, Sainsbury’s in...
British Apples & Pears Limited commissions vital crop research
As soon as it became clear that the AHDB was withdrawing from horticultural crop research, the British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL) board acted quickly to establish an alternative arrangement. The BAPL R&D Group now works actively to enable growers to meet...
Why some British apple and pear orchards are being dug up
The BBC (The One Show and BBC Kent) recently reported on how apple farmers in Kent are being forced to dig up their orchards. Understandably, this has concerned British apple lovers. We want to explain a little about why apple orchard planting is on hold. Why are...
British Apples & Pears to publish monthly sales data
British apple retailer of the year to be announced in September 2023 British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL) will start publishing monthly apple sales data on its website from February 2023. The data, aggregated from BAPL member returns, will show the tonnages of...
Mothering Sunday Recipe Ideas
Mothering Sunday apple treats to show her you care Give your mum a break from the kitchen and show her how much you care on Mothering Sunday. We’ve chosen a few recipes that are just perfect for Mothering Sunday. Using British apples, they’re not only...
IPM research – call for proposals
British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL) has opened a call for research proposals related to integrated pest and disease management (IPM). Applications are open to single contractors or collaborative consortia. The deadline for proposals is midday on 28 February...
Future of British apple and pear growing on a knife edge: New grower survey reveals scale of crisis for British top fruit industry
Over a third of orders for new apple trees have been cancelled Supermarket returns for growers are not meeting increased costs A British Grower Association (BGA) survey of British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL) members conducted in late 2022 has revealed a major...
It’s The Apple Floss-ophy: Leading Dental Hygienist Hails an Apple a Day to Prevent Dental Decay
Eight out of ten adults in the UK have one or more teeth with decay, which have either been filled or pulled out More than one in five children show signs of tooth decay Tooth decay is the most common noncommunicable disease worldwide The new year sees health...
Raymond Blanc’s Apple Tasting Notes
Download the pdf Discover more about British apple varieties...
Rob Hobson Heart Health Research
Download Apple Heart Health Research here A Research Summary by Rob Hobson,...
British Apples and Pears are encouraging consumers to buy British apples over imported varieties as an environmentally friendly choice, in a bid to reduce food miles
British apples are the best choice a shopper can make – they are affordable, they store brilliantly in the fridge, they are nutritious, and they have low food miles which means they are not just kind to our wallets but are also kind to our environment. Transporting...
An apple a day keeps dull skin at bay leading dermatologist hails apples as secret snack for glowing skin
In the depths of winter, many of us will be ramping up our skin regimes in a bid to fix dry and tired-looking skin. With a lack of moisture in the air as our heating is on full blast, dry skin can become a real concern, and our faces can quickly appear dull and...
It’s crunch time: Leading nutritionist debunks Brits’ top food myths and promotes an apple a day to kickstart the new year
The New Year is hailed by Brits as the best time to set those important health goals. In fact, last year, over 23 million Brits relied on New Year’s resolutions to improve their physical and mental health, and 2022 is looking to be no different. However, many of...
Don’t shave the conversation for later: Leading nutritionist promotes pears for men’s health this movember
With the British pear season in full swing, more emphasis is being placed on the health benefits of our delicious, home-grown fruit. Yet, many of us are unaware of the profound benefits of pears for men’s health. The British pear season coincides with the annual...
Royal Agricultural University and British Apples and Pears launches new sustainability report about how British apples are going ‘green’
British Apples and Pears (BAPL) has announced the launch of its first sustainability report. Working with the Royal Agricultural University and British growers, the report will reveal just how ‘green’ our rosy-red British apples are. Apples and pears have grown in...
British apples are especially red and going ‘green’ this year
Monday 4th October 2021 is the official start of the British apple and pear season. Supermarkets nationwide will be fully stocked with a delicious array of home grown varieties including Gala, Braeburn, Jazz, Cox, Conference pears and English Bramley. British growers...
Updated report highlights rising costs for British apple and pear farmers
In an update to the 2020 analysis of the cost increases to British apple and pear growers, Andersons accounting have revealed substantial increases in the cost of production in the UK. A combination of increased labour costs and Covid safety management have resulted...
British apples and pears announces 2021 plans for the season
British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL) held its annual trade event on Friday 14th May 2021. In line with government guidance, the event took place virtually via webinar. It was hosted by BBC Radio 4 and Countryfile presenter Charlotte Smith, and featured BAPL...
‘Expecting pear-ents’ take note: Leading nutritionist outlines why pears should be part of a healthy diet when you’re pregnant
Top nutritionist Lily Soutter partnered with British Apples and Pears to promote the benefits of consuming pears throughout pregnancy. A relatively unknown fact, Lily says pears are one of the safest foods to consume during the early stages of pregnancy, as they are...
Leading nutritionist Rob Hobson says the ‘Happy Apple Plan’ is the best way to help shift those extra pounds
As a result of the pandemic, healthy eating is riding higher on the consumer agenda than ever before. Leading nutritionist Rob Hobson partnered with British Apples and Pears to promote the ‘Happy Apple Plan’, reaping the benefits of eating an apple before a meal...
Phil Vickery cooks up a storm with British apples on ITV’s This Morning
To celebrate the start of the British Apples and Pears season, with this year’s harvest delivering a whopping 1.6 billion apples and pears, ITV’s This Morning resident chef Phil Vickery carried out his cooking segment live from Hartley Dyke Farm in Kent, whilst...
Celebrity chef Raymond Blanc OBE launches the 2020 British apple and pear season
5th October marked the start of the 2020 Great British apple season, with supermarkets well stocked with home-grown varieties. To launch the start of season, Celebrity chef, Raymond Blanc, worked alongside British apple and pear growers to fuel consumer excitement...
COVID-19 adds up to 15% on labour costs
The report by Andersons and jointly funded by the NFU, British Apples and Pears, British Summer Fruits and British Growers Association, shows that these increases are in addition to a 34% rise in labour costs over the past five years. As confidence in the supply chain...
British apples & pears trade briefing 2020
On the 19th May British Apples and Pears hosted an online trade webinar to discuss promotional plans for the season ahead, the challenges presented by Covid 19 and the confidence of the sector for this season and the future. The panel included: James Simpson from...
It’s apple O’clock!
Many are familiar with the phrase ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’, but few of us realise how true this adage is today. Registered nutritionist Rhiannon Lambert has teamed up with the national grower’s organisation, British Apples and Pears, to look at the...
A new apple just for Brexit day
To mark Brexit Day, British Apples & Pears renamed an apple, for just 24 hours. The special apple was christened EOS, after the Greek goddess of dawn. It was naturally branded with its new name and the union jack by the team oat Scripps and distributed to...
New season reveals best apple colour this century, say British growers
The UK harvest has arrived with over 50 varieties of Great British apples to choose from Most colourful crop this century following particularly warm days and cold nights in late August and early September The Great British apple season is here with this year’s...
Great British apples crop predicted for 2019-2020
Volume of British apples continues to grow thanks to ongoing investment, new varieties and increasing yields from younger orchards Advanced growing techniques will see more British apples on supermarket shelves year-round British shoppers can enjoy a British Apple a...
Britons urged to ‘eat an apple a day’
English Apples & Pears unveils 2019 marketing campaign English Apples & Pears (EAP) is using the age-old wisdom ‘an apple a day’ to appeal to a new generation of British apple lovers and turn up the dial on its healthy snacking credentials. The 2019 EAP...
Great British apples team up with HIX to prove that Bramleys are best
Great British Apples has joined forces with HIX Soho to celebrate the nation’s finest cooking apple – the Bramley Hix’s one-off Baked Bramley with cider brandy will be available until 28th February 2019 Great British Apples is teaming up with chef restauranteur, Mark...