Plums and sloes market in Moldova

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh plums and sloes in Moldova showed notable volatility from 2018 to 2023. Domestic consumption remained steady at around 88 thousand tons in 2018 and 2019, then dropped sharply to 56.4 thousand tons in 2020. A strong rebound followed in 2021, lifting the market to 91.3 thousand tons, before another contraction to 71.4 thousand tons in 2022. The market partially recovered to 80.5 thousand tons in 2023.

Beginning in 2022, the market landscape was reshaped by the implementation of stricter national food labeling rules and the introduction of an official eco-labeling system. These regulations, which included detailed requirements for labeling food products and phytosanitary items, increased compliance demands for producers. The continued enforcement and official registration of the eco-labeling scheme in 2023 helped strengthen consumer confidence in certified produce, supporting the market's growth that year as demand aligned more closely with European standards for traceable and ecological goods.

Production plums and sloes in Moldova

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Moldova ranked 17th 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

Plum and sloe production in Moldova declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 103.2 thousand tonnes, marking a 21.8% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 10.7%, which translates to an average annual rate of 3.5%. The highest output was recorded in 2018 at 132.8 thousand tonnes, with the largest year-on-year increase of 42.5% also occurring that year.

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

Exports plums and sloes from Moldova

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of decline, Moldova's plum and sloe exports rebounded in 2020, reaching 46 871 tonnes—a 5.6% increase compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 4.8%, averaging an annual decline of 1.6%. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 44 365 tonnes, while the sharpest drop of 8.8% occurred in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, Romania, and Poland were consistently the top destinations for Moldova's plum and sloe exports by volume. Russia accounted for 55.1% of exports, Romania for 20.1%, and Poland for 8.1%, together making up 83.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Moldova's plum and sloe exports in value terms grew for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 24 946 thousand US dollars, surging by 63.9% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 43.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 12 927 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 25.9% that year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Russia, Romania, and Poland were the main buyers of Moldovan plums and sloes by value. Russia represented 47.4% of export value, Romania 20.1%, and Poland 9.8%, collectively accounting for 77.3% of total exports in monetary terms.

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

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

Imports plums and sloes to Moldova

Imports in kind, t

Moldova's imports of plums and sloes by volume fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports stood at 113 tonnes, down 57.8% year-on-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 41.6%, with an average annual decline of 16.4%. The peak import volume was in 2018 at 274 tonnes, which also experienced the largest increase of 40.8% that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Moldova sourced plums and sloes from a diverse range of markets. Italy, Greece, and Chile were notable suppliers, with Italy contributing 17.7% of import volume, Greece 2.7%, and Chile 2.1%. Together, these three countries accounted for 22.4% of total imports, while numerous smaller destinations made up the remaining 77.6%.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After rising for two years, Moldova's plum and sloe imports in value terms declined in 2020, totaling 98 thousand US dollars—a sharp drop of 54.7% from the previous year. The highest import value was in 2019 at 217 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase of 60.4% occurred in 2018.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Moldova's import structure in value terms was relatively balanced rather than concentrated. Italy, Chile, and Greece were key partners, with Italy accounting for 26.4% of import value, Chile 8.9%, and Greece 6.1%. These three countries together represented 41.4% of total imports, with many other countries contributing the remaining 58.6%.

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

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