Plums and sloes market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the Spanish fresh plums and sloes market volume expanded from 88 thousand tons to 92 thousand tons. In 2020, volume dropped sharply to 68 thousand tons, coinciding with the modification of royal decrees that altered the management of EU funds and operational programs for producer organizations, likely affecting production levels.

Market volume began recovering in 2021, reaching 70 thousand tons, supported by the continued implementation of regulatory changes in the horticultural sector. In 2022, adverse climatic conditions in Extremadura led to a significant harvest shortfall, constraining production, though market volume stabilized near 70 thousand tons. The creation of the first Association of Fruit and Vegetable Producer Organizations in Extremadura that year improved sector coordination and access to EU support. By 2023, volume jumped 15% to 80 thousand tons, driven by innovation in plum varieties that enhanced quality and post-harvest life, facilitating wider distribution and market availability.

Throughout the period, new hygiene rules for retail and the packaging waste decree introduced labeling and sustainability requirements, affecting fruit commercialization. By 2024, a decline in per capita fresh fruit consumption in Spain reflected shifting consumer habits, while Spain maintained its position as a key producer and exporter amid growing European competition.

Production plums and sloes in Spain

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Spain ranked as the 13th largest global producer of plums and sloes by volume.

Top producers of plums and sloes, 2017-2020

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

In 2020, Spain produced 153.6 K t of plums and sloes, representing a significant 14.6% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production declined by 10.9%, with an average annual decrease of 3.8%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 153.0 K t, while the peak occurred in 2019 with 179.8 K t. The most substantial year-on-year increase was in 2019, when production rose by 17.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of Spain's plum and sloe production reached 209.0 M $ US, marking a 6.6% increase compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, the total value grew by 6.6%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 2.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 196.1 M $ US, while the highest was in 2018 at 219.3 M $ US. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 with a 10.6% drop, whereas the largest increase was in 2018 with an 11.8% rise.

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

Exports plums and sloes from Spain

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Spain exported 89 873 t of plums and sloes, showing a moderate 4.8% decrease year-on-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 9.6%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 3.3%. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 72 780 t. The most substantial decrease occurred in 2018 with a 26.8% drop, while the largest increase was in 2019 with a 29.7% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Spain's plum and sloe exports in volume terms were widely distributed across destinations. Germany accounted for 18.0% of exports, Brazil for 12.2%, and the United Kingdom for 11.9%. Together, these three countries represented just 42.1% of total export flows, with the remaining 57.9% spread across numerous other markets.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Following two consecutive years of decline, Spain's plum and sloe exports rebounded in value terms. In 2020, exports amounted to 122.3 M $ US, reflecting a solid 18.8% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 8.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 102.9 M $ US. The most significant decline occurred in 2018 with a 7.8% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain's plum and sloe exports in value terms were characterized by a broad buyer portfolio. Germany was the largest market with 19.9% of export value, followed by the United Kingdom at 13.7% and Brazil at 11.8%. Combined, these three countries accounted for only 45.4% of total export value, while many other countries held smaller but notable shares.

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

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

Imports plums and sloes to Spain

Imports in kind, t

Spain's plum and sloe import volume declined for the second consecutive year in 2020, reaching 4 270 t, which represents a sharp 31.5% decrease from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 39.1%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 15.2%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 8 123 t. The most substantial increase occurred in 2018 with a 15.8% rise.

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

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, South Africa, Chile, and the Netherlands were the primary sources for Spain's plum and sloe imports in volume terms. South Africa accounted for 41.8% of imports, Chile for 25.2%, and the Netherlands for 11.6%. Together, these three countries represented 78.6% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Spain's plum and sloe import value declined for the second year in a row in 2020, standing at 6.3 M $ US, which indicates a sharp 35.7% drop compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value decreased by 44.3%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 17.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 14.4 M $ US. The most substantial increase occurred in 2018 with a 26.9% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa, Chile, and the Netherlands formed the main group of suppliers for Spain's plum and sloe imports in value terms. South Africa accounted for 41.3% of import value, Chile for 30.9%, and the Netherlands for 13.4%. Combined, these three countries represented 85.5% of total import flows.

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

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