Story perspectives

UK Apple Prices Surge 17%, Outpacing Bananas Amid Crisis

2/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Apple prices in the United Kingdom now average £2.14 per kilogram, compared with £1.02 per kilogram for bananas.
Higher processing costs from increased minimum wages and post-COVID input costs drive the gap.
UK apple growers struggle to compete with cheaper imports.
Bananas benefit from loss-leader pricing in retail, and the energy crisis inflates storage costs for apples.
Since 2021, apple prices rose 17% and bananas rose 6%, prompting questions about sustainability.

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Story summary

Apple prices in the United Kingdom now average £2.14 per kilogram, compared with £1.02 per kilogram for bananas.
Higher processing costs from increased minimum wages and post-COVID input costs drive the gap.
UK apple growers struggle to compete with cheaper imports.
Bananas benefit from loss-leader pricing in retail, and the energy crisis inflates storage costs for apples.
Since 2021, apple prices rose 17% and bananas rose 6%, prompting questions about sustainability.