Plums and sloes market Turkey

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the market volume for fresh plums and sloes in Turkey rose from 228.7 thousand tons to 273.6 thousand tons, a 19.6% increase. This expansion was supported by investments in protected cultivation, especially in the Mediterranean region, where early ripening provided a marketing edge. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry had included such production models in its investment guides, encouraging growers to adopt these techniques.

Market volume continued its steady climb through 2023, reaching 322.9 thousand tons. Domestic production increased each year, from 329.1 thousand tons in 2020 to 355.1 thousand tons in 2023, while exports varied and imports stayed minimal. This consistent output growth translated directly into larger supplies for the local market.

In 2024, regulatory updates included changes to marketplace operations and stricter rules against misleading food labels. E-commerce in Turkey also kept expanding, and investments in protected plum cultivation remained significant, with microperforated packaging becoming more common to extend the shelf life of fresh produce.

Production plums and sloes Turkey

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey held the 7th position globally in the production of plums and sloes.

Top producers of plums and sloes, 2017-2020

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

Turkey's production of plums and sloes grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 329.1 thousand tonnes, marking a modest year-on-year increase of 3.5%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 12.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.1%.

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

Exports plums and sloes to Turkey

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Turkey exported 47 814 tonnes of plums and sloes, up 7.6% from 2019. Over 2017-2020, exports increased by 4.6%, with an average annual growth of 1.5%. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 44 454 tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2018 at 68 160 tonnes. Exports saw the sharpest decline in 2019, dropping 34.8%, and the largest increase in 2018, rising 49.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports to Turkey in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Iraq and Russia remained the top destinations for Turkey's plum and sloe exports in volume, together accounting for 85.7% of total shipments, with other partners playing a minor role.

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

World map of product's exports to Turkey in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The export market showed volatility during this period. Turkey's plum and sloe exports in value terms reached 31 675 thousand US dollars in 2020, a sharp 86.1% increase from the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 17 018 thousand US dollars, with a 23.1% decline that year. From the trough in 2019 to the peak in 2020, exports varied by a factor of 1.9.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Iraq, Russia, and Germany were the leading contributors to Turkey's plum and sloe exports in value terms, with shares of 39.0%, 31.2%, and 7.5%, respectively. Together, they accounted for 77.7% of total export value.

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

World map of product's exports to Turkey in value, 2017-2020

Imports plums and sloes in Turkey

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes for plums and sloes in Turkey were volatile from 2017 to 2020. In 2020, imports totaled approximately 228 tonnes, surging 87.9% compared to the previous year. The lowest volume was in 2018 at 22 tonnes, with a 50.3% decline that year. The largest increase occurred in 2019, jumping 455.4%. From the low in 2018 to the high in 2020, import volumes varied by a factor of 10.4.

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

During 2017-2020, Iraq, Russia, and Iran were Turkey's main suppliers of plums and sloes in volume, with shares of 56.7%, 22.4%, and 10.2%, respectively. Combined, they made up 89.2% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Turkey's plum and sloe import market experienced instability from 2017 to 2020. In 2020, import value reached 170 thousand US dollars, up 40.7% year-on-year. The lowest value was in 2018 at 10 thousand US dollars, with a 61.4% decline that year. The largest increase was in 2019, soaring 1 149.2%. From the trough in 2018 to the peak in 2020, imports changed by a factor of 18.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Russia, Iraq, and Iran formed the core of Turkey's plum and sloe imports in value terms, with shares of 39.1%, 38.0%, and 14.3%, respectively. Together, they represented 91.4% of total import value.

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

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