Plums and sloes market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, Italian fresh plum and sloe production showed considerable volatility. Output reached a peak of 215 thousand tons in 2019 before declining to 156 thousand tons in 2020 and further to 138 thousand tons in 2021. Consequently, the domestic market volume shrank from 169 thousand tons in 2019 to 123 thousand tons in 2021.

Production recovered to 187 thousand tons in 2022 but contracted again to 161 thousand tons in 2023. This decrease was primarily driven by reduced Italian output as greater export demand from China diverted supplies, compounded by climate challenges in Chile—including a warm winter, cool spring, and intense summer—that constrained global availability and pushed up prices. The sector also contended with ongoing shortages of skilled labor, high wage costs, and customs duties.

By 2024, the market was adapting to new origin-labeling and quality rules introduced by Ministerial Decree No. 552061, which implemented EU marketing standards. An unusually warm and rainy March affected agricultural cycles, while the European Green Deal continued to pressure producers on phytosanitary defense and sustainability. Consumer preferences increasingly favored fresh, locally grown plums with clear origin information, reinforcing a shift toward quality and traceability.

Production plums and sloes in Italy

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Italy consistently ranked 9th globally in the production of plums and sloes.

Top producers of plums and sloes, 2017-2020

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

In 2020, Italy produced 156.3 thousand tonnes of plums and sloes, marking a 27.3% decline compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 24.5%, with an average annual decrease of 8.9%. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 215.0 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 8.7%.

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

Exports plums and sloes from Italy

Exports in kind, t

Italy's exports of plums and sloes reached 21 685 tonnes in 2020, showing a sharp decline of 61.0% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 62.2%, with an average annual drop of 27.7%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 22.9%.

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

The export market for plums and sloes from Italy was diverse from 2017 to 2020. Germany accounted for 24.2% of exports, the United Kingdom for 13.4%, and Egypt for 6.4%, together making up 44.0% of total flows. The remaining 56.0% was distributed among numerous other countries.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Italy's export value of plums and sloes declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, it amounted to 35 168 thousand US dollars, a 31.3% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 43.3%, with an average annual decline of 17.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export value structure was balanced rather than concentrated. Germany represented 24.1% of exports, the United Kingdom 16.3%, and Austria 6.0%, collectively accounting for 46.4% of total flows. Many other countries made up the remaining 53.6%.

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

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

Imports plums and sloes to Italy

Imports in kind, t

Italy's imports of plums and sloes increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 13 729 tonnes, up 40.2% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 26.9%, with an average annual rate of 8.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 9 335 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 13.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, Chile, and the Netherlands remained the main suppliers of plums and sloes to Italy. Spain accounted for 46.4% of imports, Chile for 16.4%, and the Netherlands for 12.7%, together forming 75.5% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Italy's import value of plums and sloes reached 19 172 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 44.0% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 25.7%, with an average annual growth of 7.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 13 317 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 16.2%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Spain, Chile, and the Netherlands contributed the most to Italy's import value. Spain accounted for 38.1%, Chile for 21.2%, and the Netherlands for 15.7%, jointly making up 75.0% of total flows.

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

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