Plums and sloes market in Northern Europe

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018, the fresh plums and sloes market in Northern Europe was supported by consumer preference for sweeter varieties and new hybrids, which encouraged production and stability through yield improvements. The initial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted supply chains, causing logistical challenges and a contraction in market volume to 65 662 tonnes.

Supply chain issues persisted into 2021, leading to market stabilization around 65 000 tonnes. By 2022, yield enhancements and sustained consumer demand for healthier options spurred a significant market expansion to 75 416 tonnes. In 2023, continued global supply chain problems reduced availability, contributing to a decline in consumption to 65 274 tonnes.

Throughout the period, the market saw diversification through new processed products like juices and jams, and increased digitalization of processes, which added resilience without directly altering fresh fruit volume trends.

Production plums and sloes in Northern Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of plums and sloes, 2017-2020

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

Northern Europe's production of plums and sloes has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 10 173 tonnes, marking a modest decrease of 9.4% compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 9.2%, which translates to an average annual decline of 3.2%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 11 778 tonnes, with the largest year-on-year increase of 5.2% also occurring that year.

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

Exports plums and sloes from Northern Europe

Exports in kind, t

Northern Europe's exports of plums and sloes have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 3 315 tonnes, showing a limited rise of 3.7% over the previous year. However, over the broader period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 34.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -13.1%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 3 123 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 38.1% that year.

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

The export structure for plums and sloes from Northern Europe remained fragmented between 2017 and 2020. The top three destinations—Belarus (24.6% of exports in kind), the Netherlands (5.5%), and Russia (3.1%)—collectively accounted for only 33.2% of total flows, with no single country holding a dominant share.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After a two-year decline, the value of plums and sloes exports from Northern Europe increased in 2020. Exports were recorded at 4.7 million US dollars, representing an 18.6% rise compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, however, export value decreased by 16.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.7%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 4.0 million US dollars, and the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 16.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the largest buyers of plums and sloes from Northern Europe in value terms were Belarus (13.1% of exports), the Netherlands (6.2%), and Russia (5.0%). Together, they contributed 24.3% of total export value, indicating a diversified country structure without any single market dominating.

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

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

Imports plums and sloes to Northern Europe

Imports in kind, t

Northern Europe's imports of plums and sloes have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 58 804 tonnes, reflecting a limited decrease of 5.7% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 23.3%, which corresponds to an average annual decline of 8.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Spain (24.3% of imports in kind), South Africa (20.9%), and Italy (17.8%) were the leading sources for plums and sloes imports into Northern Europe. Together, they accounted for 63.0% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year drop, the value of plums and sloes imports into Northern Europe increased in 2020. Imports reached 91.4 million US dollars, corresponding to a moderate rise of 7.4% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, however, import value decreased by 12.6%, with an average annual decline of 4.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 85.1 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 17.5% that year.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, South Africa (24.6% of imports in value terms), Spain (23.8%), and Italy (16.2%) remained the key sources for plums and sloes imports into Northern Europe. Collectively, they made up 64.7% of total import value.

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

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