Plums and sloes market in SADC

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the fresh plums and sloes market volume in SADC fluctuated between 29.0 and 28.2 thousand tons. In 2020, deciduous fruit production, including plums, rose by 2.8% due to favorable weather and growing conditions, which supported a slight increase in domestic availability.

Market volume then surged by 20% to 33.9 thousand tons in 2021, driven by a jump in production to 110.4 thousand tons. The following year, volume receded to 30.4 thousand tons as a larger share of output was directed to export markets.

By 2023, the market stabilized at 29.8 thousand tons. During this period, the industry contended with significant price pressures in key export destinations like the UK and Europe, affecting trade flows. Looking to 2024, market access to China for plums and prunes was finalized, potentially altering export dynamics, while favorable weather improved fruit set and quality.

Production plums and sloes in SADC

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of plums and sloes, 2017-2020

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

SADC's production of plums and sloes increased in 2020, following a two-year decline. The region produced 73 865 tonnes, marking a modest year-over-year rise of 4.1%. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production actually fell by 13.8%, with an average annual decline of 4.8%. The lowest point was recorded in 2019 at 70 949 tonnes, which also saw the steepest drop of 14.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in SADC in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of SADC's plums and sloes production declined for the second consecutive year in 2020. Output was valued at 89.2 million US dollars, representing a 4.0% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value dropped by 20.8%, with an average annual decline of 7.5%. The peak value occurred in 2018 at 114.6 million US dollars, which also saw a small increase of 1.7%. The most significant decline was recorded in 2019 at 18.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in SADC in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports plums and sloes from SADC

Exports in kind, t

SADC's exports of plums and sloes increased in 2020, ending a two-year contraction. The region exported 47 409 tonnes, which was 1.6% higher than in 2019. Despite this recent uptick, exports fell by 25.7% over the 2017-2020 period, with an average annual decline of 9.4%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 46 671 tonnes, which also experienced the largest drop of 17.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates remained the top buyers of plums and sloes from SADC. The Netherlands accounted for 38.6% of exports in volume, followed by the United Kingdom at 22.5% and the United Arab Emirates at 11.7%. Together, these three markets represented 72.8% of total exports.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of plums and sloes exports from SADC declined for the third consecutive year in 2020. Exports totaled 57.238 million US dollars, reflecting a modest decrease of 6.4% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value fell by 31.8%, with an average annual decline of 12.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates formed the core group of destinations for SADC's plums and sloes exports in value terms. The Netherlands led with 39.4% of export value, followed by the United Kingdom at 21.2% and the United Arab Emirates at 11.8%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 72.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports plums and sloes to SADC

Imports in kind, t

SADC's imports of plums and sloes dropped sharply in 2020, reaching 1 770 tonnes. This represented a steep decline of 46.8% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 43.4%, with an average annual rate of decline of 17.3%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 3 325 tonnes, which also saw an increase of 13.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, Portugal, and Italy were the primary sources for SADC's imports of plums and sloes in volume. Spain accounted for 28.2% of imports, followed by Portugal at 1.5% and Italy at 1.0%. Together, these three countries represented 30.8% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of plums and sloes imports into SADC declined for the second consecutive year in 2020. Imports reached 3.395 million US dollars, reflecting a sharp drop of 29.4% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value decreased by 32.4%, with an average annual decline of 12.2%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 5.033 million US dollars, which also saw a slight increase of 0.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, SADC's imports of plums and sloes in value terms were spread across a diverse range of partner countries. Spain was the largest source, accounting for 32.9% of import value, followed by Portugal at 4.4% and Egypt at 1.8%. Together, these three countries represented just 39.1% of total import flows.

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

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