Market Trends of Plums and Sloes Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the Plums & Sloes Market according to our research experts:
Asia-Pacific Dominates the Market
Asia-Pacific occupied the largest share in the plums and sloes market, globally, in 2019. China contributed to the major market share in the region, followed by Hong Kong (China). According to the Food and Agriculture Organization statistical database, the total production in China reached 6,801.1 thousand metric ton in 2018 from 6,665.4 thousand metric ton in 2017. The cultivation of plums and blackthorn in under protection conditions in greenhouses has driven the production level in recent years. The yield per protected 667.0 square meter is almost 1,200.0 kilogram while the price per kilogram is reportedly three to four times that of the conventionally grown plums and sloes. Popularly known as "Hei Bulin", the cultivation of black plums is gaining momentum with Yongtai in the Fujian province along with other regions such as Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan, undergoing increased area under plantation. Moreover, the local government in districts such as Linwei, have emphasized on improving the quality, strengthening technical guidance, intensive management, and promote industry standardization after the "slow-selling" effect witnessed during the harvest season in 2019. As a result, the domestic production of plums and sloes is further expected to get a boost in the region, during the forecast period.
The Fastest Growing Market - Europe
Europe was the fastest growing market in the global plums and sloes market in 2019. The European Union accounted for 44.5% of the total import value in the plums and sloes market during the year. The Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Russia had import value shares of 6.9%, 6.7%, 6.6%, and 5.8% in 2018, with the total imported quantity of 32,032.0 metric ton, 39,495.0 metric ton, 43,325.0 metric ton, and and 77,073.0 metric ton of plums and sloes, respectively, during the same year. According to the Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI), the demand for plums with higher sugar content is on rose in the region. Moreover, new varieties and hybrids such as the Pluot have become popular in France and Chile. However, seasonal trends in the demand for the fruits limit the overall consumption in the region, annually.