Plums and sloes market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the domestic market volume for plums and sloes in South Africa contracted from 17.1 thousand tons to 16.1 thousand tons. This decline was primarily driven by constrained production, which fell from 74.3 thousand tons to 62.6 thousand tons, as the industry grappled with sub-par yields and low returns that limited output and discouraged investment.

A recovery phase began in 2020, with market volume rising to 17.4 thousand tons, supported by a notable increase in yield that boosted production. The market then expanded sharply to 20.5 thousand tons in 2021, marking its peak for the period. This surge was directly attributable to the most pronounced growth in harvested area and production volume recorded that year, significantly increasing the overall supply.

In 2022, the market volume contracted sharply to 15.1 thousand tons. This occurred despite high production levels, as a substantial portion of the crop was directed to export markets. A partial recovery followed in 2023, with the market reaching 16.7 thousand tons, as global supply chain disruptions impacted export logistics, making more fruit available for domestic consumption.

Production plums and sloes in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, South Africa ranked as the 22nd largest producer of plums and sloes globally.

Top producers of plums and sloes, 2018-2021

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

South Africa's production of plums and sloes grew for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 102.0 K t, a sharp increase of 56.0% compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production rose by 37.3%, averaging an annual growth rate of 11.2%. The lowest production volume was in 2019 at 62.6 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 15.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, K t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, South Africa's production value for plums and sloes rebounded. In 2021, the output was valued at 131.2 M $ US, reflecting a sharp 70.0% increase from the year before. From 2018 to 2021, production value grew by 30.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.3%. The minimum value occurred in 2020 at 77.2 M $ US, while the largest drop was in 2019 at 20.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports plums and sloes from South Africa

Exports in kind, t

South Africa's exports of plums and sloes increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the country exported 82 046 t, marking a significant uptick of 69.2% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports rose by 41.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.3%. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 47 607 t, which also experienced the largest decline of 17.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates were the top buyers of South African plums and sloes by volume. The Netherlands accounted for 41.6% of exports, the United Kingdom for 20.7%, and the United Arab Emirates for 12.0%. Together, these three countries made up 74.2% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The export market showed an unstable trend during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2021, with a 1.8-fold increase between these years. In 2021, the value of plums and sloes leaving South Africa amounted to 105.5 M $ US, up by 84.4% from the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 57.2 M $ US, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 22.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In the 2018-2021 period, the leading destinations for South African plums and sloes by value were the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates. The Netherlands held 42.2% of export value, the United Kingdom 19.2%, and the United Arab Emirates 12.3%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 73.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports plums and sloes to South Africa

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, South Africa imported 573 t of plums and sloes, a modest increase of 5.4% year-over-year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 30.8%, with a compound annual decline rate of 11.6%. The minimum import volume was in 2020 at 543 t, while the maximum was in 2019 at 1 183 t. The largest decline occurred in 2020 at 54.1%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 42.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the import market for plums and sloes in South Africa was highly concentrated, with Spain alone responsible for 93.4% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2021, South Africa's imports of plums and sloes were valued at 0.9 M $ US, a small advance of 2.6% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 30.9%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 11.6%. The minimum value was in 2020 at 0.9 M $ US, while the maximum was in 2019 at 1.6 M $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2020 at 44.6%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 21.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Over the 2018-2021 period, Spain was the key and nearly sole market for imports of plums and sloes to South Africa in value terms, accounting for 94.3% of total flows.

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

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