Market Trends of Prunes Industry
Rising Imports are Fueling the Market
Prunes contain less sugar than many other dried fruits. While it is commonly believed that carb-rich fruits can spike blood sugar, prunes do not trigger such surges. Each prune offers 1 gram of fiber, contributing to 3% of the daily fiber intake, and contains over 6 grams of carbohydrates. These health benefits are fueling a surge in global imports. The ITC Trade Map data reveals that 2023 worldwide imports reached 190,678 metric tons, a 9.3% increase from 2021 figures. China represented 20.4% of the total import volume in 2023.
In 2023, prune production declined while imports surged due to increased demand from China, causing a price spike. Chile's prune production grappled with challenges: a warm winter, a cool spring, and an intense summer. Yet, in a twist, Chile ramped up its prune exports, primarily to cater to the Chinese market. The ITC Trade Map data highlights a significant jump in imports from Chile to China, soaring from 9,814 metric tons in 2022 to 18,627 metric tons in 2023.
Chinese consumers, increasingly health-conscious, are turning to prune-based products, including prune juice and snacks. Prunes, rich in beta carotene (which the body converts to vitamins A, B, and K), also boast potassium, zinc, iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, and copper. They can be enjoyed whole or as enhancements in processed foods. Prunes captured nearly 13.5% of high-income economies' global dry fruit consumption share. Given this rising global acknowledgment of prunes' health benefits, the market is poised for growth in the coming years.
The United States May Dominate the Prunes Market
The United States is one of the world's leading producers and consumers of prunes. While the United States exports a substantial amount of prunes, it also imports them from Chile to meet its high domestic demand. Data from the ITC Trade Map highlights that in 2022, the United States ranked among the top global exporters of prunes. The export value of US prunes reached USD 169,142 in 2022, marking a 38% increase from USD 122,499 in 2020. The United States produces several grades of dried prunes, classified by the USDA as US Grade A (or US Fancy), US Grade B (or US Choice), US Grade C (or US Standard), and Substandard.
California dominates prune production in the United States. California is renowned for producing some of the world's finest prunes and boasts its own California Prune Board. This board is pivotal in connecting prune farmers to global markets, ensuring they can sell premium prunes at better prices. Beyond fresh prunes, the California Prune Board also markets processed products, including prune paste, puree, diced prunes, bits, concentrate, butter, and powder. According to the California Prune Board, California produces 99% of the nation's prunes and contributes 40% of the global supply.
Prunes are one of the most consumed dried fruits in the United States, second only to dates. With a growing emphasis on healthier, locally sourced food, US schools are increasingly purchasing dried plums. These versatile fruits can be enjoyed whole or used to enhance processed foods. Rising health consciousness, especially among millennials, drives this increase in prune consumption. Given the robust marketing efforts and abundant domestic supply, US prune production and exports are poised for growth in the coming years.
