Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormFresh
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Fresh plum (HS 080940) in Honduras is primarily an import-supplied, niche stone-fruit market rather than a large domestic production category. Recent trade data show Honduras sourcing fresh plums from multiple origins, including Spain, Chile, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and the United States. Imports are governed by SENASA’s quarantine framework, which requires an import permit requested in advance and the phytosanitary certification specified in that permit, with verification at authorized quarantine control posts. Because plums are cold-chain sensitive, temperature management through inspection, storage, and distribution is a practical determinant of arrival quality and commercial outcomes.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market (net importer)
Domestic RoleDomestic consumption market supplied primarily via imports
Specification
Physical Attributes- Uniform packs are typically expected in trade (same origin, variety, quality and size where sized), aligned with UNECE FFV-29 presentation provisions
- Defect tolerance depends on grade/class; UNECE FFV-29 includes tolerances (e.g., limits on split and/or worm-eaten fruit within class tolerances)
Compositional Metrics- Higher soluble solids content (SSC) and SSC/acidity ratio are associated with better consumer acceptance in plums (use as a buyer quality cue where measured)
Grades- UNECE FFV-29 trade reference: "Extra" Class, Class I, Class II (with defined tolerances by class)
Packaging- Packaging materials should be clean and protective; packs should be free of foreign matter (UNECE FFV-29 presentation/packaging provisions)
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Origin orchard harvest → packhouse sorting/grading → pre-cooling → refrigerated transport (reefer) → Honduras port/airport entry → SENASA quarantine verification → importer/wholesale distribution → retail/foodservice
Temperature- Optimum handling/storage temperature for plums: -1.0 to 0°C with 90–95% relative humidity (cold-chain discipline is critical)
- Avoid prolonged exposure to 2–8°C where plums are more susceptible to internal breakdown/chilling injury
Atmosphere Control- Controlled-atmosphere shipment can help retain firmness and ground color; effectiveness depends on cultivar and shipment time
Shelf Life- Market life varies by cultivar and is strongly affected by temperature management; UC Davis notes a wide range (approximately 1–8 weeks) when stored near 0°C
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeMultimodal
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighSENASA quarantine controls require an import permit obtained before arrival and the certifications required by that permit (including a phytosanitary certificate for plant products). If entry verification finds non-compliance, SENASA can apply measures up to detention, treatment, seizure, destruction, or rejection, which can fully block the consignment.Secure the SENASA import permit before shipment, confirm the exporting NPPO phytosanitary certificate and any additional conditions match the permit, and run a pre-shipment document and condition check against SENASA’s commodity/origin requirement references.
Logistics MediumFresh plums are highly sensitive to temperature abuse and are prone to internal breakdown if mishandled; cold-chain breaks during transit or at port/warehouse can cause rapid quality deterioration, commercial claims, and higher shrink.Use verified reefer capacity end-to-end (including at entry and staging), monitor temperature/RH, and avoid storage in the 2–8°C risk range noted for internal breakdown susceptibility.
FAQ
What are the key SPS documents for importing fresh plums into Honduras?Honduras’ quarantine framework administered by SENASA requires an import permit requested prior to arrival, and the shipment must be accompanied by the certifications specified in that permit, including a phytosanitary certificate for plant products. Requirements are verified at authorized quarantine control posts, and non-compliance can lead to detention, treatment, or rejection.
Which countries have recently supplied fresh plums to Honduras in trade data?Trade data for HS 080940 (fresh plums and sloes) show Honduras receiving shipments from multiple origins, including Spain, Chile, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and the United States (recent year view in WITS/UN Comtrade).
What cold-chain targets are commonly used to protect plum quality during import distribution?Postharvest handling guidance commonly targets about -1 to 0°C and high relative humidity (around 90–95%) for plums. Temperature mismanagement can increase the risk of internal breakdown, so importers typically prioritize continuous refrigerated handling through entry, storage, and distribution.