Plums and sloes market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

Portugal's plum production began the period at 17,480 t in 2018 and increased to 20,800 t in 2019. This initial growth was supported by financial incentives for farmers in the Fundão and Castelo Branco regions, specifically aimed at boosting local production of stone fruits including plums. Production volumes fluctuated in the following years, reaching a peak of 22,350 t in 2021, while domestic market size varied significantly due to changing export and import dynamics.

A notable production decline to 17,770 t occurred in 2022, which can be linked to the phytosanitary threat posed by the Xylella fastidiosa bacteria, potentially damaging plum orchards. Legislative updates affecting the agricultural sector, such as Portaria nº 312/2022, were also implemented that year. Production saw a modest recovery to 18,670 t in 2023, coinciding with strong consumer trends favoring fresh, natural, and plant-based foods, which bolstered demand for fresh plums.

From 2024 onward, the market continued to be influenced by evolving consumer preferences for high-quality, fresh produce and regional specialties like the Ameixa d’Elvas DOP. The vibrant national spirits market, including traditional ginja liqueurs made from similar fruits, remained a significant factor shaping demand. Ongoing public support for agricultural production in key regions provided a stable backdrop for the sector through 2025.

Production plums and sloes in Portugal

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of plums and sloes, 2018-2021

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

In 2021, Portugal produced 22 350 tons of plums and sloes, marking a 16.5% year-over-year increase. Over the 2018-2021 period, production grew by 27.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.5%. The most significant production increase occurred in 2019 at 19.0%, while the largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 7.8%.

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

Exports plums and sloes from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

The export market showed considerable volatility during these years. In 2018, exports reached their lowest point, while 2021 saw the peak, representing a 3.2-fold variation between these extremes. In 2021, Portugal exported 10 097 tons of plums and sloes, which represented a sharp 45.7% increase compared to the previous year. The most substantial export increase occurred in 2019 at 142.2%, while the largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 10.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the United Kingdom (26.8% of export volume), Spain (25.5% of export volume), and France (19.1% of export volume) were the primary destinations for Portugal's plum and sloe exports, collectively accounting for 71.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Portugal's plum and sloe exports reached 11 478 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 60.6% increase compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, export value grew by 139.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 33.8%. The largest decline in export value occurred in 2020 at 3.8%.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, the United Kingdom (31.8% of export value), Spain (20.8% of export value), and France (17.5% of export value) formed the core markets for Portugal's plum and sloe exports in value terms, together representing 70.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports plums and sloes to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, Portugal imported approximately 6 864 tons of plums and sloes, representing a significant 25.0% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, import volume declined by 31.2%, with an average annual decrease of 11.7%. The largest import decline occurred in 2019 at 29.0%, while the most substantial increase was recorded in 2020 at 29.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Portugal's plum and sloe import structure was highly concentrated, with Spain alone accounting for 93.4% of total import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Portugal's plum and sloe imports totaled 7 821 thousand US dollars, down 12.2% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, import value decreased by 23.1%, with an average annual decline of 8.4%. The lowest import value was recorded in 2019 at 5 784 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline at 43.2%. The most significant increase occurred in 2020 at 54.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain dominated Portugal's plum and sloe import structure in value terms, accounting for 88.3% of total flows, while numerous smaller partners made up the remainder.

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

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