Plums and sloes market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

The Dutch market for fresh plums and sloes showed considerable volatility in volume and value from 2018 to 2023. The market volume, measured in tonnes, contracted sharply from 15 132 tonnes in 2018 to around 12 300 tonnes in 2019 and 2020. A subsequent expansion peaked at 17 016 tonnes in 2022, before a pronounced decline to 11 858 tonnes in 2023. The market value followed a similar pattern, falling from 32.4 million USD in 2018 to a low of 19.1 million USD in 2020, recovering partially, and then dropping again to 14.6 million USD in 2023.

The market for sloes, a wild ancestor of cultivated plums, is shaped by its distinct biological traits. Sloes ripen very slowly and become usable only after frost in late autumn, resulting in a short, specific seasonal availability. Their astringent taste, caused by tannins and acids, necessitates processing such as cooking with sugar for consumption, directing demand primarily towards processed products rather than fresh eating. This inherent requirement, coupled with growing consumer interest in natural, local, and ecologically valuable foods, supports a niche market for these traditional wild fruits.

Production plums and sloes in the Netherlands

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of plums and sloes, 2017-2020

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

Following two years of growth, the Netherlands' production volume of plums and sloes declined. In 2020, the country produced 6 800 tonnes, marking a slight contraction of 1.0% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 22.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.9%. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 6 870 tonnes, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 16.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in the Netherlands in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, the output value of plums and sloes in the Netherlands reached 12 237 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 5.9% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value grew by 23.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 13 178 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 32.6%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest decline of 12.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in the Netherlands in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports plums and sloes from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, the Netherlands exported 24 786 tonnes of plums and sloes, down by 0.7% from the previous year. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 23 341 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual decline of 7.6%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 6.9% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export market for plums and sloes from the Netherlands was diverse. Germany accounted for 28.0% of exports in kind, the United Kingdom for 9.3%, and Belgium for 8.3%, together making up 45.6% of total flows. The remaining 54.4% was distributed among numerous other countries.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, the value of plums and sloes exports from the Netherlands amounted to 44 603 thousand US dollars, representing a 6.2% increase compared to the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 41 984 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual decline of 11.3%. The peak value occurred in 2018 at 47 322 thousand US dollars.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Germany was the largest buyer of plums and sloes from the Netherlands in value terms, accounting for 29.9% of exports, followed by Belgium at 8.0% and the United Kingdom at 7.7%. Together, these three countries represented 45.6% of total export value, with the remaining 54.4% spread across many other trading partners.

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

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

Imports plums and sloes to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, t

Imports of plums and sloes into the Netherlands declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country imported 30 232 tonnes, a decrease of 0.6% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 6.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.0%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 31 973 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 12.3%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 4.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three main markets—South Africa, Chile, and Spain—together accounted for 82.3% of total imports in kind of plums and sloes to the Netherlands.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, the Netherlands imported plums and sloes valued at 51 482 thousand US dollars, showing no change from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 7.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.5%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 66 506 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 39.1%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 22.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, South Africa, Chile, and Spain were the main sources of plums and sloes imports to the Netherlands in value terms. South Africa accounted for 47.3% of imports, Chile for 27.4%, and Spain for 10.4%, together making up 85.1% of total import value.

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

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