In 2024, Moldova's plum producers faced challenges due to adverse weather conditions, including a lack of summer rainfall and record-high temperatures, which affected both the yield and quality of plums. Market participants anticipate an earlier conclusion to the plum season.
The country witnessed a decrease in plum harvests and an acceleration in ripening times due to the high temperatures. Plum exports commenced earlier, with 17.7 thousand tons shipped in July and August, projecting a shorter export season compared to the previous year's 78 thousand tons.
Experts from MOLDPRES highlight the ongoing negative impact of climate change on fruit production, emphasizing the importance of investments in crop protection, quality production, irrigation, and controlled atmosphere storage systems for producers to remain competitive. Additionally, forming stable commercial cooperations or joining industry associations is advised.
During a trade mission organized by the PCRR project, a representative from Eurogroup, part of the REWE Group, recognized Moldova as a key player in the European Union's plum market. The representative stressed the critical need for quality control processes at all production stages to prevent financial and reputational losses within the sector.
In the broader EU context, Germany and Poland have experienced declining plum production due to unfavorable weather conditions, such as frosts and rain, leading to harvests below the ten-year average. This situation prompted a turn to countries like Serbia, North Macedonia, and Moldova for plum imports. However, simultaneous market entries by all plum-producing countries, influenced by high temperatures, have impacted prices.
As the season progresses, large volume sales of Balkan plums have concluded, with Germany and Poland also ending their sales seasons. Moldovan producers are holding onto their stock in anticipation of market improvements while continuing scheduled deliveries. Importers and traders foresee an unusually early end to this year's plum sales season, with high-volume trading expected to cease by mid-October, diverging from the norm of lasting until late November.
Source: East Fruit