W33: Plum & Prune Update

In W33 in the plum and prune landscape, Tridge’s analysis indicates that Chilean prune exports reached 25.62 thousand metric tons (mmt), valued at USD 104.4 million in the first half of 2023. This represents a significant increase of 38.2% in volume and a notable rise of 40.8% in value compared to the same period in 2022. Chilean prune shipments were primarily destined for China with 5.82 thousand metric tons (mt) (USD 19 million), Germany with 3.46 thousand mt (USD 15.9 million), and Mexico with 2.36 thousand mt (USD 8.7 million). China's share surged 278% year-on-year (YoY) in volume and 270% YoY in value. The significant export growth is attributed to favorable harvests, size enhancements, and Chile's unique climate variations, benefiting stone fruit production, including plums and sugar plums. Chileprunes' active engagement in a sustainability standard project further underscores the country's commitment to the sector's growth. Chile boasts an expansive plum tree plantation spanning 12.55 thousand hectares (ha) and a yearly production capacity of around 100 thousand mt. Approximately two-thirds of this production is processed into prunes.

EastFruit expects Moldova's plum harvest to reach 85 thousand mt in 2023, a 6% YoY increase. However, this growth is seen as modest due to the limited yield in 2022. The first Stanley plums are set for picking in the southern region in W34. The Stanley variety is popular for fresh consumption and processing. Concerns arise over the ongoing summer drought impact on mid-late and late plum varieties, potentially causing small-sized fruits. While ideal weather conditions could boost the harvest by 10% to 15%, the overall projection remains below the five to seven-year average. Despite the expected modest plum harvest, prices remain relatively low. The predicted harvest of 85 thousand mt to 90 thousand mt is deemed positive considering the downward trend in acreage, dropping due to fruit export challenges.

Lastly, according to the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), the German 2023 plum and damson harvest is projected to reach around 45.1 thousand mt, a decrease of 3.7% compared to almost 47 thousand mt in 2022. This fluctuation in yield is a typical pattern for plum and damson cultivation due to their alternating fruiting cycle. The expected 2023 harvest is only about 400 mt (-0.9%) lower than the ten-year average of approximately 45.5 thousand mt, indicating an average level. Plums and damsons are cultivated across 4.1 thousand ha in Germany, with the largest areas found in Baden-Württemberg (1.7 thousand ha) and Rhineland-Palatinate (900 ha). Experts expect 61.3% of the total plum harvest to be collected in these federal states.