Dried grapes market in Southern Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The dried grapes market in Southern Europe contracted from 51 334 t in 2018 to 40 412 t in 2020. This decline was primarily driven by reduced consumer demand due to the economic crisis, rising energy prices, and lower consumer confidence in 2019, followed by further supply chain disruptions and shifting consumption patterns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Market volume began to recover in 2021, reaching 41 553 t, supported by a shift toward seedless varieties that enhanced product quality and value. A sharp expansion followed, with the market growing to 53 102 t in 2022 and 61 897 t in 2023. This strong rebound was fueled by changing consumer preferences toward healthy and sustainable products, alongside varietal innovations and greater automation in processing, which improved efficiency and product appeal.

Throughout the period, international competition intensified, particularly from countries such as Peru and South Africa, while regulatory changes and access to new export markets also influenced market dynamics. In 2024, trends of rising export value and continued varietal innovation persisted, although climatic and economic factors remained challenges for production.

Production dried grapes in Southern Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of dried grapes, 2017-2020

World map of production of dried grapes, 2017-2020

Southern Europe's dried grape production has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 18,409 tonnes of dried grapes, representing a modest decrease of 4.5% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 23%, with an average annual decline of 8.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Southern Europe in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports dried grapes from Southern Europe

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Southern Europe's cross-border shipments of dried grapes totaled 20,224 tonnes, down 3.0% year-on-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 9.5%, which translates to an annualized rate of 3.3%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 19,645 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 12.1%, while the largest increase was in 2019, rising by 6.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Southern Europe in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Germany were the top destinations for Southern Europe's dried grape exports in volume terms. The United Kingdom accounted for 34.8% of exports, the Netherlands for 17.6%, and Germany for 4.9%. Together, these three countries made up 57.2% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Southern Europe in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, Southern Europe's dried grape exports in value terms declined. In 2020, exports reached $54.3 million US, down 12.5% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 11.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at $62.0 million US. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 17.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Southern Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Germany remained the principal buyers of dried grapes from Southern Europe in value terms. The United Kingdom accounted for 35.8% of exports, the Netherlands for 17.9%, and Germany for 5.0%. Collectively, these three countries represented 58.7% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Southern Europe in value, 2017-2020

Imports dried grapes to Southern Europe

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Southern Europe's imports of dried grapes amounted to 42,227 tonnes, showing a significant decline of 16.3% compared to the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 17.3%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 6.1%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, with a rise of 2.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Southern Europe in kind, 2017-2020, t

Over the 2017-2020 period, Turkey, Iran, and Chile consistently led the country structure of dried grape imports into Southern Europe in volume terms. Turkey accounted for 61.5% of imports, Iran for 11.8%, and Chile for 5.5%. Together, these three countries comprised 78.8% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Southern Europe in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Following two years of growth, Southern Europe's dried grape imports in value terms fell. In 2020, imports totaled $81.4 million US, which is 24.5% lower than the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 2.9%, with an average annual decline of 1.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at $107.9 million US. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 13.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Southern Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Iran, and Chile together accounted for 78.6% of the total value of dried grape imports into Southern Europe, making them the main sources. Turkey represented 59.8% of imports in value terms, Iran 11.0%, and Chile 7.7%.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Southern Europe in value, 2017-2020