Plums and sloes market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Russian market for fresh plums and sloes expanded from 242.6 thousand tons to 256.3 thousand tons. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic altered consumer behavior, boosting demand for fresh fruit for home consumption during lockdowns and restrictions.

Growth continued into 2021 and 2022, with the market reaching 273.7 thousand tons by 2022. This was supported by state-led import substitution policies that encouraged domestic production, alongside the introduction of new labeling and packaging requirements for food products, which streamlined distribution. Additionally, rising interest in processed plum products, such as juices and preserves, opened new demand segments.

In 2023, the market volume fell to 252.8 thousand tons, primarily due to a drop in production to 185.7 thousand tons. Geopolitical sanctions and associated risks impacted the availability and cost of raw materials, posing challenges for growers. In 2024, factors such as currency fluctuations, logistical difficulties, and enhanced traceability requirements continued to influence the market.

Production plums and sloes in Russia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Russia ranked 14th globally in terms of plum and sloe production volume.

Top producers of plums and sloes, 2017-2020

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

Russia's plum and sloe production has grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 182.0 thousand tons, marking a moderate year-over-year increase of 4.6%. Between 2017 and 2020, production rose by 36.6%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 11.0%.

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

Exports plums and sloes from Russia

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular fluctuations, reflecting a volatile market environment. From 2017 to 2019, exports varied significantly, with a peak-to-trough amplitude of 5.3 times. In 2020, Russia's plum and sloe shipments abroad totaled 616 tons, down 19.9% from 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 768 tons, with the largest increase that year reaching 142.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Ukraine was the dominant destination for Russia's plum and sloe exports in kind, accounting for 80.8% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among several smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Russia's plum and sloe export volumes in value terms have increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 200 thousand US dollars, remaining relatively stable year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 162.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 38.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main markets for Russia's plum and sloe exports in value terms were Ukraine (62.0% of exports), Kazakhstan (16.8%), and Mongolia (15.6%). Together, these three countries accounted for 94.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports plums and sloes to Russia

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Russia imported 74 937 tons of plums and sloes, representing a moderate year-over-year decline of 6.4%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 80 053 tons, with the largest increase that year at 3.9%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 4.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Moldova (44.6% of imports in kind), Uzbekistan (13.4%), and Turkey (10.8%) were the primary sources for plum and sloe imports to Russia, together making up 68.8% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Russia's plum and sloe import volumes in value terms have risen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 60 746 thousand US dollars, up 5.5% from the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 56 347 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 2.4%. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 5.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.7%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Moldova (36.3% of imports in value terms), Turkey (15.1%), and Uzbekistan (11.1%) formed the core of Russia's plum and sloe imports, together accounting for 62.5% of total import flows.

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

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