Feb 2, 2026
IndexBox has just published a new report: United Kingdom – Plums And Sloes – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights.
This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the United Kingdom’s plum and sloe market. It details that in 2024, UK consumption was 39K tons valued at $75M, heavily reliant on imports (34K tons) primarily from Spain, South Africa, and Italy, as domestic production was only 5.7K tons. The market has contracted significantly from its 2013-2014 peaks. Looking forward, the market is forecast for modest growth, with volume projected to reach 44K tons by 2035 at a CAGR of +1.0%, and value to reach $90M at a CAGR of +1.7%. Key dynamics include rising import prices, a sharp decline in domestic harvested area, and Ireland being the dominant export destination for the UK’s small export volume.
Key Findings
UK market forecast for modest growth to 44K tons and $90M by 2035 at CAGRs of +1.0% and +1.7% respectivelyMarket heavily import-dependent, with 34K tons imported in 2024 mainly from Spain, South Africa, and ItalyDomestic production is low at 5.7K tons and has halved since 2013 due to a drastic slump in harvested areaImport prices are rising, led by Moldova’s remarkable growth, while UK export prices are also increasing significantlyIreland is the primary export destination, receiving over 80% of UK plum and sloe exportsMarket Forecast
Driven by rising demand for plum and sloe in the UK, the market is expected to start an upward consumption trend over the next decade. The performance of the market is forecast to increase slightly, with an anticipated CAGR of +1.0% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market volume to 44K tons by the end of 2035.
In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +1.7% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market value to $90M (in nominal wholesale prices) by the end of 2035.
ConsumptionUnited Kingdom’s Consumption of Plums And Sloes
In 2024, plum and sloe consumption in the UK contracted to 39K tons, approximately mirroring the year before. Overall, consumption saw a abrupt contraction. Plum and sloe consumption peaked at 71K tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2024, consumption remained at a lower figure.
The size of the plum and sloe market in the UK totaled $75M in 2024, with an increase of 9.8% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers’ margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). In general, consumption saw a noticeable curtailment. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $115M in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.
ProductionUnited Kingdom’s Production of Plums And Sloes
In 2024, the amount of plums and sloes produced in the UK rose markedly to 5.7K tons, surging by 12% compared with 2023 figures. In general, production, however, showed a drastic downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2022 with an increase of 75% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production attained the maximum volume at 12K tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, production stood at a somewhat lower figure. Plum and sloe output in the UK indicated a abrupt slump, which was largely conditioned by a drastic downturn of the harvested area and a relatively flat trend pattern in yield figures.
In value terms, plum and sloe production expanded to $13M in 2024 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production, however, saw a deep contraction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2022 with an increase of 106%. Over the period under review, production reached the maximum level at $28M in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2024, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.
Yield
In 2024, the average plum and sloe yield in the UK expanded rapidly to 14 tons per ha, growing by 8% against 2023 figures. In general, the yield, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2022 when the yield increased by 88%. Over the period under review, the average plum and sloe yield hit record highs at 16 tons per ha in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2024, the yield stood at a somewhat lower figure.
Harvested Area
The plum and sloe harvested area in the UK stood at 405 ha in 2024, picking up by 3.8% compared with the previous year’s figure. Overall, the harvested area, however, continues to indicate a abrupt slump. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to plum and sloe production reached the maximum at 825 ha in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, the harvested area stood at a somewhat lower figure.
ImportsUnited Kingdom’s Imports of Plums And Sloes
In 2024, plum and sloe imports into the UK fell modestly to 34K tons, dropping by -3% against 2023. Overall, imports continue to indicate a abrupt downturn. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 when imports increased by 13% against the previous year. Imports peaked at 60K tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2024, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.
In value terms, plum and sloe imports expanded rapidly to $68M in 2024. In general, imports recorded a noticeable downturn. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2022 when imports increased by 11% against the previous year. Imports peaked at $97M in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, imports remained at a lower figure.
Imports By Country
Spain (10K tons), South Africa (10K tons) and Italy (8K tons) were the main suppliers of plum and sloe imports to the UK, with a combined 85% share of total imports. Chile, Portugal, Moldova, France, Germany and the Netherlands lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 14%.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Moldova (with a CAGR of +299.8%), while imports for the other leaders experienced a decline.
In value terms, Spain ($23M), South Africa ($19M) and Italy ($16M) constituted the largest plum and sloe suppliers to the UK, with a combined 86% share of total imports. Chile, France, Portugal, Moldova, Germany and the Netherlands lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 12%.
Among the main suppliers, Moldova, with a CAGR of +405.1%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.
Import Prices By Country
The average plum and sloe import price stood at $2,002 per ton in 2024, growing by 13% against the previous year. Over the period from 2013 to 2024, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.9%. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when the average import price increased by 24%. The import price peaked in 2024 and is likely to see steady growth in years to come.
Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the Netherlands ($2,679 per ton), while the price for Moldova ($1,352 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Moldova (+26.3%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.
ExportsUnited Kingdom’s Exports of Plums And Sloes
In 2024, the amount of plums and sloes exported from the UK shrank significantly to 430 tons, which is down by -20.8% compared with the previous year. In general, exports saw a deep slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2022 with an increase of 170%. The exports peaked at 1.5K tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, the exports failed to regain momentum.
In value terms, plum and sloe exports shrank modestly to $1.3M in 2024. Over the period under review, exports saw a abrupt downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2022 when exports increased by 245% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $2.9M in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2024, the exports remained at a lower figure.
Exports By Country
Ireland (347 tons) was the main destination for plum and sloe exports from the UK, with a 81% share of total exports. Moreover, plum and sloe exports to Ireland exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, the Netherlands (41 tons), eightfold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Italy (14 tons), with a 3.2% share.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Ireland totaled -11.9%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the Netherlands (-5.3% per year) and Italy (-0.0% per year).
In value terms, Ireland ($969K) remains the key foreign market for plums and sloes exports from the UK, comprising 73% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by the Netherlands ($115K), with an 8.7% share of total exports. It was followed by China, with a 7.3% share.
From 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate of value to Ireland stood at -8.7%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the Netherlands (+1.3% per year) and China (0.0% per year).
Export Prices By Country
In 2024, the average plum and sloe export price amounted to $3,075 per ton, picking up by 20% against the previous year. Over the period under review, export price indicated a pronounced increase from 2013 to 2024: its price increased at an average annual rate of +4.7% over the last eleven-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2024 figures, plum and sloe export price increased by +88.8% against 2021 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 an increase of 34% against the previous year. The export price peaked in 2024 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.
Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was China ($11,560 per ton), while the average price for exports to Italy ($2,015 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to the Netherlands (+7.0%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.
Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform
This report provides a comprehensive view of the plum and sloe industry in the United Kingdom, tracking demand, supply, and trade flows across the national value chain. It explains how demand across key channels and end-use segments shapes consumption patterns, while also mapping the role of input availability, production efficiency, and regulatory standards on supply.
Beyond headline metrics, the study benchmarks prices, margins, and trade routes so you can see where value is created and how it moves between domestic suppliers and international partners. The analysis is designed to support strategic planning, market entry, portfolio prioritization, and risk management in the plum and sloe landscape in the United Kingdom.
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Key findings
Domestic demand is shaped by both household and industrial usage, with trade flows linking local supply to imports and exports.
Pricing dynamics reflect unit values, freight costs, exchange rates, and regulatory shifts that affect sourcing decisions.
Supply depends on input availability and production efficiency, creating a distinct national cost curve.
Market concentration varies by segment, creating different competitive landscapes and entry barriers.
The 2035 outlook highlights where capacity investment and demand growth are most aligned within the country.
Report scope
The report combines market sizing with trade intelligence and price analytics for the United Kingdom. It covers both historical performance and the forward outlook to 2035, allowing you to compare cycles, structural shifts, and policy impacts.
Market size and growth in value and volume terms
Consumption structure by end-use segments
Production capacity, output, and cost dynamics
Trade flows, exporters, importers, and balances
Price benchmarks, unit values, and margin signals
Competitive context and market entry conditions
Product coverageCountry coverageCountry profile and benchmarks
This report provides a consistent view of market size, trade balance, prices, and per-capita indicators for the United Kingdom. The profile highlights demand structure and trade position, enabling benchmarking against regional and global peers.
Methodology
The analysis is built on a multi-source framework that combines official statistics, trade records, company disclosures, and expert validation. Data are standardized, reconciled, and cross-checked to ensure consistency across time series.
International trade data (exports, imports, and mirror statistics)
National production and consumption statistics
Company-level information from financial filings and public releases
Price series and unit value benchmarks
Analyst review, outlier checks, and time-series validation
All data are normalized to a common product definition and mapped to a consistent set of codes. This ensures that comparisons across time are aligned and actionable.
Forecasts to 2035
The forecast horizon extends to 2035 and is based on a structured model that links plum and sloe demand and supply to macroeconomic indicators, trade patterns, and sector-specific drivers. The model captures both cyclical and structural factors and reflects known policy and technology shifts in the United Kingdom.
Historical baseline: 2012-2025
Forecast horizon: 2026-2035
Scenario-based sensitivity to income growth, substitution, and regulation
Capacity and investment outlook for major producing companies
Each projection is built from national historical patterns and the broader regional context, allowing the report to show where growth is concentrated and where risks are elevated.
Price analysis and trade dynamics
Prices are analyzed in detail, including export and import unit values, regional spreads, and changes in trade costs. The report highlights how seasonality, freight rates, exchange rates, and supply disruptions influence pricing and margins.
Price benchmarks by country and sub-region
Export and import unit value trends
Seasonality and calendar effects in trade flows
Price outlook to 2035 under baseline assumptions
Profiles of market participants
Key producers, exporters, and distributors are profiled with a focus on their operational scale, geographic footprint, product mix, and market positioning. This helps identify competitive pressure points, partnership opportunities, and routes to differentiation.
Business focus and production capabilities
Geographic reach and distribution networks
Cost structure and pricing strategy indicators
Compliance, certification, and sustainability context
How to use this report
Quantify domestic demand and identify the most attractive segments
Evaluate export opportunities and prioritize target destinations
Track price dynamics and protect margins
Benchmark performance against leading competitors
Build evidence-based forecasts for investment decisions
This report is designed for manufacturers, distributors, importers, wholesalers, investors, and advisors who need a clear, data-driven picture of plum and sloe dynamics in the United Kingdom.
FAQ
What is included in the plum and sloe market in the United Kingdom?
The market size aggregates consumption and trade data, presented in both value and volume terms.
How are the forecasts to 2035 built?
The projections combine historical trends with macroeconomic indicators, trade dynamics, and sector-specific drivers.
Does the report cover prices and margins?
Yes, it includes export and import unit values, regional spreads, and a pricing outlook to 2035.
Which benchmarks are included?
The report benchmarks market size, trade balance, prices, and per-capita indicators for the United Kingdom.
Can this report support market entry decisions?
Yes, it highlights demand hotspots, trade routes, pricing trends, and competitive context.