Sugar preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts market in China

Earlier Report Observations

The market for sugar-preserved vegetables, fruit, and nuts in China expanded significantly from 2018 to 2023, with volume rising from 72.4 K t to 135.0 K t and value increasing from 275.9 million $ US to 527.8 million $ US. Early growth was supported by the entry of international suppliers like Sumifru into the imported fruit market, which improved raw material availability and competition. Additionally, consumer demand for imported fruits such as cherries encouraged market expansion, with companies adopting omnichannel sales strategies to reach broader audiences.

From 2021 onward, vegetable cultivation area growth slowed due to land constraints, but yield per unit area recovered and improved, supported by government policies targeting the entire vegetable industry chain—from production and processing to storage and distribution. By 2024, the roasted nuts and seeds market surpassed 300 billion yuan, reflecting strong health-conscious consumption trends that also benefited sugar-preserved nut products. Enhanced preservation technologies and stricter food safety standards further contributed to market development.

Production sugar preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts in China

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, China held the top position globally in the production of sugar-preserved vegetables, fruits, and nuts.

Top producers of sugar preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of sugar preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts, 2017-2020

China's production of sugar-preserved vegetables, fruits, and nuts grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, output reached 155.9 thousand tonnes, marking a modest increase of 3.4% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 7%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.3%. The lowest production level was in 2018 at 140.4 thousand tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 3.7%. In contrast, 2019 recorded the highest increase at 7.4%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of growth, China's production value for sugar-preserved vegetables, fruits, and nuts decreased. In 2020, the output was valued at 568.5 million US dollars, remaining largely unchanged from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 13.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.3%. The peak value occurred in 2019 at 570.3 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 8.9%.

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

Exports sugar preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts from China

Exports in kind, t

China's exports of sugar-preserved vegetables, fruits, and nuts rose for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 78 483 tonnes, up 1.9% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 2.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.8%. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 72 343 tonnes, which experienced the largest decline of 5.5%. The highest increase was in 2019 at 6.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main destinations for China's exports of sugar-preserved vegetables, fruits, and nuts in volume terms were Japan (21.8% of exports), Thailand (16.6%), and Malaysia (11.8%). Together, these three countries accounted for 50.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, China's export value for sugar-preserved vegetables, fruits, and nuts declined. In 2020, exports stood at 286.1 million US dollars, down 1.8% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 8.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 291.4 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 8.0%.

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

During 2017-2020, China's export value for sugar-preserved vegetables, fruits, and nuts was relatively evenly distributed. Thailand (19.2% of exports), Japan (18.3%), and Malaysia (11.7%) together accounted for 49.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports sugar preserved vegetables, fruit and nuts to China

Imports in kind, t

China's imports of sugar-preserved vegetables, fruits, and nuts increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports reached approximately 22 050 tonnes, surging 35.2% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 519.4%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 83.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the leading sources for China's imports of sugar-preserved vegetables, fruits, and nuts in volume terms were Vietnam (37.5% of imports), Cambodia (19.9%), and Canada (18.2%). Collectively, these three countries made up 75.7% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

China's import value for sugar-preserved vegetables, fruits, and nuts rose for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 55.1 million US dollars, up 15.6% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value increased by 198.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 43.9%.

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

Over 2017-2020, the primary suppliers of sugar-preserved vegetables, fruits, and nuts to China in value terms were Canada (25.7% of imports), Thailand (22.0%), and Cambodia (18.2%). Together, these three countries accounted for 65.9% of total import value.

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

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