Arabfields, Naïla Mokhtari, North, South and Central America Correspondent — Brazil’s apple industry is heading into a stronger production season, with Gala and Fuji varieties continuing to dominate orchards, supermarkets and fruit markets across the country.

Together, the two varieties account for about 95% of Brazil’s apple production, according to industry data. Gala represents roughly 60% of national output, while Fuji accounts for about 35%, leaving a relatively small share for varieties such as Eva and Cripps Pink.

For consumers, the distinction is often easy to spot once the fruit is in their hands. Gala apples generally have a red, striped skin over a yellowish background, with a crisp texture and a sweet flavour balanced by mild acidity. Fuji apples tend to be larger, firmer and juicier, with a sweeter taste and a reddish skin over a greenish-yellow base.

The differences matter beyond the supermarket shelf. Growers choose varieties according to climate, market demand and the characteristics that buyers are willing to pay for, while consumers often make their choice based simply on taste.

In southern Brazil, where most of the country’s commercial apple production is concentrated, the crop is also closely linked to local employment and rural incomes. During harvest, farms require large numbers of seasonal workers, while some producers have increasingly combined agriculture with rural tourism to create additional sources of revenue.

In Santa Catarina, one of the country’s main producing states, the 2025/26 crop is expected to reach about 636,500 tonnes, according to state agricultural estimates. That would represent a sharp recovery from the previous season, when production was affected by adverse weather conditions. Fuji is expected to account for about 51.2% of the state’s crop, while Gala represents around 47.2%.

The recovery is significant because weather remains one of the biggest risks facing Brazilian apple growers. Apples require suitable winter conditions for flowering and fruit development, making production particularly sensitive to variations in temperature and rainfall.

The national picture is also improving. Industry projections put Brazil’s 2025/26 apple harvest at between 1.05 million and 1.15 million tonnes, compared with about 850,000 tonnes in the previous season. The increase reflects better weather during the production cycle and a return towards the sector’s historical production levels.

The stronger crop is already influencing commercial expectations. At Rasip Agro, a major producer based in Rio Grande do Sul, output for 2026 is projected at about 55,000 tonnes, up roughly 30% from the 42,000 tonnes harvested in 2025. Gala varieties are expected to make up about three quarters of the company’s production, with Fuji accounting for the remainder.

For growers, however, a larger harvest does not automatically mean higher profits. More fruit entering the market can put pressure on prices, particularly when supply increases faster than consumer demand. In early 2026, higher availability had already contributed to weaker wholesale prices in parts of the market.

Exports could provide an important outlet for the additional production. Brazil exported about 13,700 tonnes of apples in the 2024/25 season, while industry forecasts for 2025/26 point to exports of around 60,000 tonnes if supply and market conditions remain favourable.

The outlook therefore points to a more balanced industry, with stronger domestic availability and renewed export potential. If weather conditions remain broadly supportive and growers maintain productivity gains, Brazil could sustain production above one million tonnes in the coming seasons.

For consumers such as Maria de Fátima, a shopper in southern Brazil who buys apples regularly for her family, the choice remains uncomplicated. Gala is often picked for its sweetness and crunch, while Fuji is preferred when a sweeter and juicier apple is wanted.

Behind that simple choice lies a sizeable agricultural business. As Brazilian producers prepare for the next cycle, the performance of Gala and Fuji will remain central to the country’s ability to expand supply, defend margins and strengthen its position in both domestic and international markets.