Plums are one of the world’s juiciest and most beloved stone fruits, enjoyed fresh, dried as prunes, or transformed into jams, sauces, brandies, and desserts. Found in markets from Asia to Europe and the Americas, plums are a global staple in both kitchens and orchards.
But have you ever wondered which countries produce the most plums in the world? While many nations cultivate this sweet and tangy fruit, a handful of countries dominate global production. In this article, we’ll uncover the top 5 plum-producing countries, discover what makes their plums unique, and explore how they contribute to the international fruit trade.
A Brief History of Plums
Plums are among the oldest cultivated fruits, with evidence of their domestication dating back over 2,000 years. Their origins are believed to lie in China and the regions near the Caspian Sea. From there, plums made their way to Europe and eventually to the Americas via trade routes and explorers.
Today, plums are cultivated in temperate and subtropical regions worldwide, prized for their flavor, versatility, and nutritional benefits.
Top 5 Plum Producing Countries in the World
Based on the latest data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and global agricultural reports (2023 estimates), these are the top five countries leading the world in plum production:
| Rank | Country | Annual Production (Metric Tons) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | 7,200,000+ |
| 2 | Serbia | 650,000+ |
| 3 | Romania | 530,000+ |
| 4 | India | 400,000+ |
| 5 | United States | 380,000+ |
Let’s explore what makes each of these countries essential players in the world’s plum industry.
1. China — The Unquestioned Plum Capital
China is the world’s largest plum producer by a substantial margin, accounting for more than 55–60% of total global production. Producing over 7.2 million metric tons annually, China’s contribution to the global plum market is immense.
Major Producing Regions:
- Sichuan
- Hunan
- Shandong
- Hebei
Key Highlights:
- China grows both native and imported plum varieties, including Japanese plums (Prunus salicina) and native species.
- Plums hold significant cultural value in China, symbolizing resilience and renewal.
- Chinese plums are consumed fresh, dried, pickled, in sauces, desserts, and as traditional health remedies.
Fun Fact:
Plum blossoms are celebrated in Chinese culture as a symbol of endurance and beauty amid adversity, often blooming in late winter.
2. Serbia — Europe’s Plum Powerhouse
Serbia is Europe’s leading plum producer, harvesting around 650,000 metric tons per year. In this Balkan nation, plums are not just a fruit — they’re a national treasure.
Major Producing Areas:
- Central and Western Serbia
- Šumadija region
Key Highlights:
- Serbia predominantly cultivates European plums (Prunus domestica), known for their deep purple color and rich flavor.
- Most plums in Serbia are dried into prunes or used to produce Slivovitz, a traditional plum brandy.
- The country is also a significant exporter of both fresh and processed plums to Germany, Austria, Russia, and other European nations.
Fun Fact:
Serbia celebrates an annual Plum Festival (Šljivijada) in honor of this cherished fruit.
3. Romania — A Historic Plum Growing Nation
With a yearly production of around 530,000 metric tons, Romania is another European plum giant. Romanian plums are known for their high quality, rich taste, and deep cultural roots.
Major Producing Areas:
- Wallachia
- Transylvania
- Moldavia
Key Highlights:
- Romania specializes in European plum varieties, including the famous Stanley plum.
- Plums are widely used in Romania for fresh consumption, jams, brandies (țuică), and drying.
- Romanian prunes are highly sought-after in European and Middle Eastern markets.
Fun Fact:
The making of țuică, a traditional plum brandy, is considered a cultural art in Romanian villages.
4.India — A Rising Asian Plum Producer
India ranks fourth globally in plum production, with around 400,000 metric tons annually. Plums are primarily grown in the northern hill states, where cooler climates suit their cultivation.
Major Producing Areas:
- Himachal Pradesh
- Uttarakhand
- Jammu & Kashmir
- Punjab
Key Highlights:
- India produces both Japanese and European plum varieties, with a focus on fresh consumption.
- Indian plums are mostly sold in domestic markets and neighboring countries.
- The fruit is popular for making preserves, chutneys, pickles, and traditional sweet dishes.
Fun Fact:
In India, plums are also appreciated for their medicinal properties in traditional Ayurvedic practices.
5. United States — Leader in Prunes and Fresh Plums
The United States, particularly California, is a major player in plum production, harvesting around 380,000 metric tons annually.
Major Producing Areas:
- California’s Central Valley
- Washington State
- Michigan
Key Highlights:
- The U.S. grows both Japanese and European plum varieties, with California being the top producer.
- The country is world-renowned for its production of dried plums (prunes), with exports to Europe, Asia, and Canada.
- Fresh market plums are popular across North America, available in numerous varieties from Santa Rosa to Black Amber.
Fun Fact:
California alone produces 99% of the United States’ prunes.
Global Trade and Plum Exports
While China leads in total production, Serbia, Chile, Spain, and the United States dominate the export market. Chile has gained prominence by supplying fresh plums to Northern Hemisphere markets during the off-season.
Top Plum Exporting Countries (2023):
- Serbia
- Chile
- Spain
- South Africa
- United States
Health Benefits of Plums
Plums are not just delicious — they’re packed with health benefits:
- Rich in vitamin C, K, and fiber
- High in antioxidants, promoting heart health
- Aid in digestion and constipation relief
- Contain anti-inflammatory compounds
- Low in calories, making them an ideal snack
Uses of Plums Around the World
Plums are incredibly versatile:
- Fresh consumption
- Dried prunes for health and cooking
- Jams, jellies, and preserves
- Pickled and salted (especially in Asia)
- Desserts like tarts and cobblers
- Brandies and liqueurs
- Plum sauces for meats and stir-fries
Conclusion
To sum up, the top 5 plum-producing countries in the world are:
- China — The world’s plum leader by far
- Serbia — Europe’s plum powerhouse
- Romania — Rich in tradition and plum brandy
- India — A rising Asian producer
- United States — Famous for prunes and fresh varieties
These nations ensure the global supply of fresh, dried, and processed plums, satisfying culinary traditions, health needs, and sweet cravings across the globe.
So, the next time you enjoy a luscious plum or a rich plum dessert, it’s likely to have originated from one of these top-producing countries.