Plums and sloes market in Greece

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh plums and sloes in Greece experienced significant volume fluctuations between 2018 and 2023. Starting at 20.9 thousand tons in 2018, the market contracted to 16.3 thousand tons in 2019 and fell further to 13.3 thousand tons in 2020. A sharp recovery followed in 2021, bringing volume back to 19.9 thousand tons, but this gain was not sustained as the market declined again to 16.1 thousand tons in 2022 and 15.3 thousand tons in 2023.

The steep market drop in 2020 coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted supply chains and altered food consumption patterns across Greece. The rebound in 2021 brought market volume close to its 2018 level, but the subsequent declines in 2022 and 2023 occurred without major reported supply shocks. By 2023, broader consumer trends such as the growing influence of digitalization and Generation Z preferences began shaping demand for fruit, including plums and sloes.

Toward the end of the period, factors emerged that are set to influence the market environment. These include the increase of the standard VAT rate from 20% to 22% effective from January 2024, which may affect consumer prices. Simultaneously, reported growth in demand for organic and fresh fruit, alongside the expansion of e‑supermarkets, points to an evolution in retail channels and consumer priorities.

Production plums and sloes in Greece

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of plums and sloes, 2017-2020

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

In 2020, Greece produced 21,200 tonnes of plums and sloes, representing a 3.2% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 10.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.4%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when production fell by 28.7%. In contrast, 2018 saw the highest increase at 50.1%, reaching a peak production volume of 28,790 tonnes.

Annual dynamics of production in Greece in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, the value of plums and sloes production in Greece reached 14,685 thousand US dollars, marking a significant 18.2% increase from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value rose by 12.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 12,424 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2018 at 18,156 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 31.6% drop, while 2018 saw the biggest increase at 38.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Greece in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports plums and sloes from Greece

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes of plums and sloes from Greece showed notable fluctuations during the period. In 2020, exports reached 8,561 tonnes, representing a substantial 72.7% year-over-year increase. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 40.7% drop, while 2018 saw the highest increase at 93.8%. From 2017 to 2020, exports varied significantly, with the highest and lowest points differing by a factor of two.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Egypt, Bulgaria, and Germany were the main destinations for Greek plums and sloes exports by volume. Egypt accounted for 39.3% of exports, Bulgaria for 8.2%, and Germany for 6.4%. Together, these three markets represented 53.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of plums and sloes exports from Greece showed volatility during the observed period. In 2020, export value reached 5,930 thousand US dollars, marking a remarkable 97.8% increase from 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 43.2% drop. From 2017 to 2020, export values fluctuated significantly, with the highest point in 2020 and the lowest in 2017, showing a two-fold difference between these extremes.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt, Cyprus, and Germany were the principal markets for Greek plums and sloes exports by value. Together, these three countries accounted for 50.6% of total export value.

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

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

Imports plums and sloes to Greece

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Greece imported 606 tonnes of plums and sloes, representing a 9.5% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports declined by 3.7%, equivalent to an average annual decrease of 1.2%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 501 tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 670 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 20.3% drop, while 2019 saw the biggest increase at 33.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Chile, the Netherlands, and France were the main suppliers of plums and sloes to Greece by volume. Chile accounted for 25.3% of imports, the Netherlands for 17.0%, and France for 11.8%. Together, these three countries comprised 54.1% of total import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two consecutive years of growth, the value of plums and sloes imports to Greece declined in 2020. Import value stood at 1,151 thousand US dollars, representing a slight 0.8% decrease year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, import value increased by 17.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 1,160 thousand US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 12.9% rise.

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

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, Chile, France, and the Netherlands remained the main sources of plums and sloes imports to Greece by value. Chile accounted for 26.5% of import value, France for 22.1%, and the Netherlands for 19.9%. Together, these three countries represented 68.5% of total import value.

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

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