Blue Whale reports 313,476 tons sold and €384.1 million in revenue for the 2025–2026 season, compared with €356 million last year. The French fruit group is investing in orchard renewal and new varieties and has become a Mission-Driven Company.

“This season is strong, but growth alone is not the goal. The key question remains the same: how do we turn outstanding performance into sustainable value, from the orchard to the consumer? That is at the heart of our strategy: investing in orchards, renewing varieties, driving innovation and developing markets that pay,” says Managing Director Bruno Bertheloz.

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The 2025–2026 harvest exceeded forecasts, but fruit sizes were smaller, and a larger share went to processing. Yields, packing rates, and price pressure affected returns per hectare.

Long-haul export turnover increased by 45%, led by the Middle East, India, and the Gulf, despite disruption linked to the Strait of Hormuz crisis. Blue Whale sells two-thirds of its volumes outside France across more than 70 countries.

Since July, Blue Whale has incorporated its corporate purpose into its Articles of Association, becoming an “Entreprise à Mission.” Founded near Montauban in 1950, the group brings together 260 growers across France’s main fruit-growing regions, including Tarn-et-Garonne. Apples form the core of its activities, alongside pears, kiwis, plums, and table grapes.

One-third of its fruit is sold in France, one-third elsewhere in Europe, and one-third in other international markets.

The Mission-Driven Company framework formalises social and environmental objectives alongside economic goals. Blue Whale’s mission covers four areas: supporting the long-term economic position of growers and rural communities, developing skills and expertise, promoting fruit consumption, and supporting changes in the fruit sector through innovation, cooperation, and long-term value creation.

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For 2026–2027, initial estimates indicate lower yields per hectare than last season, with fruit sizes affected by heatwave conditions in June and July. European volumes are expected to decline, which could result in a more balanced supply-demand situation.

However, the season is expected to begin with pressure from existing stocks, higher volumes of lower-quality fruit, and demand that still needs to be stimulated.

© Blue WhaleFor more information:
Blue Whale
Tel: +33 (0) 5 63 21 56 56
Email: [email protected]
www.blue-whale.com