Plums and sloes market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

After maintaining a market volume around 40 thousand tons in 2018 and 2019, the Hungarian fresh plum and sloe market contracted sharply in 2020 to 27 thousand tons due to severe spring frosts and adverse weather conditions that devastated the plum harvest. This weather-induced production shock also led to a significant drop in exports, further reducing domestic availability.

Recovery began in 2021 and continued through 2023, with the market reaching 35.8 thousand tons by the end of the period. However, this rebound was constrained by ongoing climatic challenges, including drought and frost damage in 2022, as well as sporadic bee absence affecting pollination. Despite these setbacks, the market gradually regained volume as weather conditions normalized and production stabilized.

Throughout the period, structural factors played a role: the introduction of state-recognized plum varieties and the expansion of cultivation areas supported long-term production potential. Meanwhile, strong demand from the processing industry for jam, dried fruit, and spirits provided a steady outlet for plum output, helping to buffer market fluctuations.

Production plums and sloes in Hungary

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, Hungary ranked as the 30th largest producer of plums and sloes globally.

Top producers of plums and sloes, 2018-2021

World map of production of plums and sloes, 2018-2021

Hungary's production of plums and sloes rebounded in 2021 after a two-year decline. The country produced 33 250 tonnes that year, marking a significant 23.0% increase from 2020. However, looking at the broader 2018-2021 period, overall production fell by 28.8%, averaging an annual decrease of 10.7%. The lowest output was recorded in 2020 at 27 040 tonnes, which also saw the steepest annual drop of 40.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, t

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2021, the value of Hungary's plums and sloes production reached 24 848 thousand US dollars, up 15.4% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 span, production value declined by 4.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.4%. The lowest value occurred in 2020 at 21 528 thousand US dollars, while the peak was in 2019 at 28 123 thousand US dollars. The most substantial yearly decrease was in 2020, at 23.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Exports plums and sloes from Hungary

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes of plums and sloes from Hungary showed considerable volatility during the observed period. The lowest point was in 2020 at 1 431 tonnes, which saw an 80.3% decline, while the highest was in 2018. In 2021, exports surged to 3 294 tonnes, a sharp 130.2% increase from 2020. The gap between the peak in 2018 and the trough in 2020 was 5.3-fold.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Czechia, and Slovakia were the primary destinations for Hungary's plums and sloes exports by volume. Germany accounted for 49.4% of exports, Czechia for 12.7%, and Slovakia for 11.8%, collectively making up 73.9% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of Hungary's plums and sloes exports experienced irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 1 140 thousand US dollars, with a 74.7% drop, while the highest was in 2019 at 4 508 thousand US dollars. In 2021, export value rose to 2 462 thousand US dollars, up 116.0% from the previous year. The difference between the 2019 peak and 2020 low was fourfold.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

During 2018-2021, Germany, Czechia, and Slovakia remained the key buyers of Hungarian plums and sloes by value. Germany represented 49.9% of export value, Czechia 12.8%, and Slovakia 9.7%, together constituting 72.4% of total exports.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021

Imports plums and sloes to Hungary

Imports in kind, t

Hungary's imports of plums and sloes by volume decreased for the second year in a row in 2021, totaling 1 230 tonnes, down 15.1% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 29.6%, averaging 9.0% annually. The highest volume was in 2019 at 1 527 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 60.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, Germany, and Italy were the main sources of Hungary's plums and sloes imports by volume. Spain contributed 28.8% of imports, Germany 19.5%, and Italy 17.6%, accounting for 65.9% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Hungary imported plums and sloes worth 1 792 thousand US dollars, an 11.5% increase from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 span, import value rose by 46.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.5%. The largest annual decline was in 2020 at 4.3%, while the biggest increase was in 2019 at 36.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout 2018-2021, Spain, Germany, and Italy formed the core group of markets for Hungary's plums and sloes imports by value. Spain accounted for 31.3% of import value, Germany for 28.8%, and Italy for 16.0%, together representing 76.0% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021