Wholesale Apple Prices - Buy Apple in Bulk
Discover wholesale apple prices and buy apples in bulk for your business or personal use. Get the best deals on fresh, high-quality apples from trusted suppliers. Order in bulk today!
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Apples are one of the most widely consumed fruits worldwide and a major staple in the wholesale produce market. Whether you’re supplying grocery stores, schools, juice companies, or catering services, buying apples in bulk allows for better pricing, fresher stock, and smoother logistics. Here’s a deep dive into wholesale apple pricing, market drivers, trends, and frequently asked questions.
What Are the Current Wholesale Apple Prices?
Wholesale apple prices depend on several factors such as variety, grade, origin, and packaging format. As of 2025, average wholesale apple prices are:
- Standard eating apples (e.g. Gala, Braeburn): £0.80 – £1.20 per kg
- Premium apples (e.g. Pink Lady, Honeycrisp): £1.30 – £2.00 per kg
- Organic apples: £1.80 – £2.50 per kg
- Juicing-grade apples: £0.40 – £0.70 per kg
- By the bushel (approx. 18–20 kg): £15 – £28 depending on variety
Prices fluctuate weekly based on supply, harvest season, import/export status, and market demand.
Factors Affecting Wholesale Apple Prices
1. Apple Variety and Grade
Different apple varieties have different market values. High-demand varieties like Honeycrisp and Pink Lady command premium prices due to their taste, shelf life, and consumer preference. Grade also matters—Class I apples cost more due to appearance standards, while seconds or processing-grade apples are more affordable but limited to specific uses like juicing or baking.
2. Harvest Season and Availability
Apples are a seasonal crop, with peak UK harvest between August and October. During this period, prices drop due to higher availability. Out-of-season apples are often imported, which adds transport costs and increases prices. Cold storage technology extends shelf life but adds overhead costs that impact wholesale pricing during off-season months.
3. Local vs Imported Apples
UK-grown apples are generally fresher and lower in transport costs but may be limited in variety and availability. Imported apples from countries like Poland, Italy, or New Zealand often meet demand gaps but cost more due to freight, handling, and import tariffs. Exchange rates and shipping disruptions can also cause price fluctuations for imported apples.
4. Weather and Crop Yields
Extreme weather—such as frost during blossom season or hailstorms during harvest—can severely impact crop volume and quality. Lower yields mean tighter supply and higher wholesale prices. Even minor changes in temperature and rainfall during the growing season affect the sugar content and firmness of apples, impacting their market value.
5. Packaging and Handling Costs
Apples destined for retail often need specific packaging (trays, flow wraps, etc.) and grading, adding to costs. Bulk-packed apples in crates or bins are cheaper per kilo. Organic or export-grade apples often require extra documentation and certification, which increases handling costs and is reflected in the final wholesale price.
Top International Apple Suppliers
1. Hainlen Orchard
Hainlen Orchard brings over a century of apple-growing expertise to the wholesale market. Located in Indiana, this family-run farm offers a rich selection of apple varieties, ideal for retailers, cider makers, and local food markets. Known for their hand-pressed raw cider and premium hard cider, Hainlen also supplies apples in bulk for culinary and beverage production. With a strong commitment to sustainability and flavor, their wholesale apple solutions cater to businesses looking for locally grown, high-quality fruit direct from the orchard.
2. Crow Farm
Crow Farm is a 50-acre family farm on Cape Cod that provides seasonal wholesale apple offerings alongside a variety of local produce. Known for its sustainable farming practices and personal customer service, Crow supplies fresh apples during harvest seasons to markets, restaurants, and local distributors. Their apples are grown with care and picked at peak ripeness, making them ideal for farm shops, grocers, and regional wholesalers seeking high-quality, New England-grown fruit with strong local appeal.
3. Tamar Foods Limited (Tamar Fresh)
Tamar Fresh is a well-established UK wholesale supplier that sources premium fresh produce, including apples, directly from regional growers. With over 35 years of experience and deep relationships with local farms, Tamar ensures consistent supply, excellent quality, and quick delivery for hospitality, retail, and catering businesses. Their wholesale apple selection includes popular British varieties, available seasonally and delivered with a focus on freshness and sustainability. Tamar is a dependable choice for businesses looking for reliable apple sourcing across the UK.
4. Lucerne Fresh
Lucerne Fresh specializes in supplying fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables—including crisp, flavorful apples from South Africa’s fertile growing regions. Their vertically integrated operation manages the entire process from farm to shipment, ensuring top-tier quality and freshness in every delivery. With an established reputation in both retail and wholesale markets, Lucerne provides apples in bulk to international buyers, distributors, and foodservice providers seeking year-round availability and rigorous quality control. A trusted name in South African produce exports.
5. CBG Agribio Co., Ltd.
CBG Agribio bridges agriculture and global trade, offering organically grown fruits such as apples for wholesale export. Though they provide a wide range of agricultural products, their focus on sustainable farming and high product purity makes them a reliable source for businesses prioritizing clean-label, health-conscious produce. With in-house agribusiness consulting and export services, CBG supports international partners seeking bulk apples and other fruits directly from Southeast Asia, blending local farming expertise with global logistics.
6. Wexford Food Family
The Wexford Food Family is a collective of food producers from County Wexford, known for supporting Ireland’s local farming communities. Within this network, numerous members offer fresh, locally grown apples available for wholesale purchase. These apples are cultivated in the rich agricultural lands of Wexford, delivering exceptional flavor and authenticity. Ideal for grocers, farm shops, and foodservice buyers looking to source Irish-grown apples with full traceability, the Wexford Food Family embodies artisanal quality and a strong local supply chain.
7. All Greens Wholesale
All Greens is a top-tier produce wholesaler in the UK, offering an expansive range of fresh fruits and vegetables including high-quality apples. Sourced from trusted local growers and top-tier international farms, their apple offerings cater to London’s dynamic restaurant and catering scene. Whether you need classic British varieties or specialty imports, All Greens ensures freshness and consistency with daily deliveries. Their commitment to culinary excellence makes them a go-to wholesale partner for chefs and foodservice providers.
8. Layton’s Produce Co.
Layton’s Produce Co. has been serving the wholesale produce market for over three decades, with apples playing a core role in their seasonal offerings. Partnering with regional growers across the U.S., they provide crisp, fresh apples in various varieties suited for both retail and foodservice clients. With a reputation built on dependable service and premium quality, Layton’s is an excellent option for grocers, institutional buyers, and distributors seeking reliable wholesale apple sourcing with competitive pricing.
9. Brad’s Produce LLC
Brad’s Produce is a family-owned farm in Maryland that delivers fresh, seasonal apples directly from orchard to market. Grown using sustainable practices, their apples are available for wholesale purchase throughout the harvest season. Whether you’re a retailer, restaurant, or school food program, Brad’s offers flavorful, hand-picked apples that meet local sourcing and quality standards. In addition to apples, their CSA and farm store model supports full-spectrum produce and meat sales for diverse buyer needs.
10. Buy Fresh Produce Inc.
Buy Fresh Produce Inc. is a major U.S. distributor offering a wide variety of fresh and value-added fruits, including apples. Their supply chain features popular varieties like Gala, Fuji, Granny Smith, and Red Delicious, available in bulk for retail and foodservice clients. Committed to freshness and efficiency, they operate a streamlined distribution network that ensures consistent quality and fast delivery. With tailored produce programs for Hispanic markets and specialty buyers, they’re a flexible partner for wholesale apple sourcing.
Wholesale Apple Prices vs Retail Apple Prices
Retail prices are significantly higher than wholesale due to packaging, transport, supermarket markups, and VAT. For example:
- Wholesale Gala Apples: ~£1.00 per kg
- Retail Gala Apples: ~£2.00 – £2.50 per kg
- Wholesale Organic Apples: ~£2.00 per kg
- Retail Organic Apples: ~£3.00 – £3.80 per kg
Retailers may double wholesale prices to cover labor, packaging, spoilage, and operational overheads. Buying apples in bulk reduces per-unit costs, ideal for food producers, caterers, and markets.
Wholesale Apple Consumer Trends
1. Growing Preference for Organic and Pesticide-Free Apples
There’s a strong demand for organically grown apples as consumers prioritize clean labels and chemical-free produce. This trend has led to rising wholesale prices for certified organic apples, as well as greater interest in apples grown using integrated pest management (IPM) and sustainable agricultural practices.
2. Popularity of Snack-Sized and Pre-Cut Apples
Miniature or snack-sized apples are gaining popularity, especially for school lunches and health-conscious consumers. Similarly, pre-cut or sliced apples for foodservice use are growing in demand. This has led to wholesalers offering more value-added apple products, which are slightly more expensive due to labor and packaging.
3. Increasing Demand from Juice and Cider Producers
Craft cider makers, juice brands, and wellness beverage companies source large volumes of apples for juicing. While they typically buy lower-grade or surplus apples, rising demand from these sectors has started influencing prices and availability of juicing-grade apples, particularly during harvest months.
4. International and Ethnic Market Preferences
Some cultures prefer specific varieties of apples, such as Fuji or Granny Smith, due to traditional recipes or taste preferences. These varieties often need to be imported or specially grown, which adds complexity and cost to sourcing. Wholesalers catering to ethnic grocery stores or international foodservice outlets factor this into pricing.
5. Shift Toward Zero-Waste and Ugly Fruit
Consumers and businesses alike are embracing “ugly” fruit—apples with visual imperfections but no impact on taste or nutrition. Wholesalers are increasingly marketing class II apples or overstock apples to zero-waste restaurants, juice bars, and budget retailers, creating a niche market at lower price points while reducing food waste.
FAQs
1. How much is an apple per kg in the UK?
On average, apples in bulk range from £0.80 to £2.50 per kg, depending on the variety, grade, and whether they are organic or conventionally grown.
2. What is the price of a bushel of apples?
A bushel of apples (about 18–20 kg) costs between £15 and £28, depending on the apple type and source. Juicing apples are on the lower end, while premium or organic varieties cost more.
3. How much is 1 lb of apples?
1 pound of wholesale apples typically costs £0.40 to £0.90, which is equivalent to £0.88 to £1.98 per kg. This may rise for organic or imported apples.
4. How many apples per kilo?
There are usually 6 to 8 medium apples per kilo, depending on the variety and size. Larger apples like Honeycrisp may number only 4–5 per kilo.
5. Do wholesale apple prices change seasonally?
Yes, prices drop during the peak harvest season (August to October) and rise during winter and spring when cold storage or imports are the main source of supply.
6. How much are organic apples?
Organic apples in bulk typically range between £1.80 and £2.50 per kg, reflecting higher production, certification, and handling costs.