Apple prices have increased by up to 31% in the last year, according to The Grocer’s analysis of Assosia data.
Out of 108 apple lines in stock between the start of October 2023 and now, 31 had increased in price by more than 10% [Assosia 52 weeks to 23 September].
Weather issues and rising input costs were blamed for the continued rising price of the fruit.
The biggest increases per year were from Aldi’s Nature’s Pick Loose Bramley Apples, which have gone up by 20.4% in the last month, contributing to an overall year-on-year rise of 31.1%. The apples now cost 59p compared to 45p last year.
Aldi’s Nature’s Pick Pink Lady Apples also rose by 30.2%, having shot up by 8.4% this month.
“We are proud to be one of the largest buyers of British apples, buying British whenever possible, and we’re committed to offering our customers the best value apples of any supermarket,” said an Aldi spokesperson.
Many lines had increased by more than 20% in the last year, including Waitrose Pink Lady Apples by 29.2% and several Asda lines including its Crisp & Juicy Apples, up by 25%.
Monthly rises have compounded the annual increases with many lines rising significantly since August. Aldi’s Nature’s Pick Golden Delicious rose by 19.6% [Assosia w/e 25 August], contributing to an annual rise of 23.3%.
“Apple prices have been hit by lower levels of production, as a result of rising input costs,” said Harvir Dhillon, economist at the BRC. “Unpredictable weather has impacted orchard quality and yields.”
Read more: Tesco knocks Aldi off top spot for most UK apples sold in 2024
Sales of British apples last year fell from 148,041 tonnes to 123,802 tonnes according to data from British Apples & Pears.
This, the grower group said, was down to a lower supply due to weather issues reducing crop rather than a reduction in acreage.
This comes as BAP announced Tesco sold the most UK apples in the 2023-2024 season, selling 26,705 tonnes of British dessert apples, only just ahead of Aldi at 26,008 tonnes sold in the same period.
Aldi had topped the chart last year with a total of 32,165 tonnes of apples sold.
“This year’s crop is looking good and we’re hopeful that all UK supermarkets will work even harder this year to promote British apples and pears,” said BAP executive chair Ali Capper. “Buying British over imported fruit saves on food miles, and we know consumers want British if at all possible.”
All retailers were approached for comment.
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