Plums and sloes market in Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The European market for fresh plums and sloes opened the period at 3.1 million tonnes in 2018. A notable contraction to 2.9 million tonnes followed in 2019, largely driven by a sharp 16.6% decline in demand within Germany coupled with significant domestic crop losses. These losses resulted from unfavorable weather conditions and pest infestations, particularly from vinegar flies, which reduced available supply.

Market volumes showed fluctuating patterns in the subsequent years, recovering to 3.0 million tonnes in 2020 before declining again to 2.9 million tonnes in 2021. A modest increase to 2.9 million tonnes occurred in 2022, followed by a further reduction to 2.8 million tonnes by 2023. During this time, the global plum and sloe market had resumed growth, reaching a value of $14 billion in 2019 with China as the dominant producer and consumer.

By 2024, the revised UNECE Standard FFV-29 for plums was established, introducing updated quality and packaging requirements relevant for international trade. Concurrently, adverse weather and persistent pest pressures continued to affect production outcomes in key German growing regions, including Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate.

Production plums and sloes in Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of plums and sloes, 2017-2020

World map of production of plums and sloes, 2017-2020

Europe produced 2,960 thousand tons of plums and sloes in 2020, marking a modest year-over-year increase of 2.2%. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 34%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 10.3%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 3,023 thousand tons, with the largest annual increase of 36.9% occurring that same year. In contrast, 2019 saw the most significant decline, with production dropping by 4.2%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of plum and sloe production in Europe reached 4,255 million US dollars in 2020, representing a substantial 21.2% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production value rose by 38.8%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 11.5%. The peak value was achieved in 2018 at 4,680 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 52.6%. The most notable decline occurred in 2019, with a 25.0% decrease in value.

Annual dynamics of production in Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports plums and sloes from Europe

Exports in kind, K t

Europe's exports of plums and sloes totaled 220.3 thousand tons in 2020, showing a moderate decline of 3.9% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 10.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -3.6%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 190.7 thousand tons, which also experienced the largest annual decline of 22.6%. In contrast, 2019 saw the most significant increase, with exports rising by 20.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil (accounting for 3.9% of exports in kind), Egypt (2.0%), and Switzerland (1.9%) were among the largest buyers of plums and sloes from Europe. However, these three countries combined represented only 7.9% of total exports in kind, indicating a highly diversified partner base with no single market dominating.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Following two years of decline, Europe's exports of plums and sloes rebounded in 2020. The export value reached 316.6 million US dollars, reflecting a 13.9% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 7.4%, with a CAGR of -2.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 277.9 million US dollars, while the largest annual decline occurred in 2018 with a 13.7% drop.

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

The structure of plum and sloe exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was characterized by diversification. Brazil (4.5% of exports in value terms), Switzerland (3.1%), and Norway (1.6%) together accounted for just 9.1% of total flows, with no single country holding a clearly dominant position.

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

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

Imports plums and sloes to Europe

Imports in kind, K t

After two consecutive years of reduction, Europe's imports of plums and sloes increased in 2020. Import volume reached 268.9 thousand tons, representing a 13.0% rise compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 12.2%, equating to an annualized decline of 4.3%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 237.9 thousand tons, while the largest annual decline occurred in 2018 with a 15.8% decrease.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Europe's imports of plums and sloes in kind were not concentrated on a few key markets. South Africa (11.1% of imports in kind), Chile (7.1%), and Turkey (3.1%) together accounted for only 21.3% of total import flows, reflecting a broad distribution across multiple suppliers.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, Europe's imports of plums and sloes increased in 2020. The import value stood at 434.6 million US dollars, marking a robust 16.4% year-over-year growth. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 2.7%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 0.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 373.5 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual decline of 13.4%.

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

Data from 2017 to 2020 show that Europe's imports of plums and sloes in value terms were not concentrated on a few key destinations. South Africa (18.0% of imports in value terms), Chile (10.3%), and Turkey (3.1%) jointly accounted for only 31.5% of total import flows, indicating a diversified sourcing pattern.

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

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