The 2025 Moldovan plum export season began later than usual, with a delay of nearly three weeks due to an unstable spring. Starting prices for the new crop were around 17–18 MDL/kg (€0.90). Wholesale prices then declined gradually, reaching their seasonal low only in late July.
By early September, wholesale prices for fresh market plums had stabilized in the range of 7–10 MDL/kg (€0.35-0.51). This is the highest September level in the past five years. However, Moldovan plums remain 20–30% cheaper than in Ukraine, Poland, or Russia, largely due to a seasonal slowdown in export demand.
Market operators note that regional competition is weighing on prices. Romania still has supplies of local plums, while Germany and the Baltic states are currently supplied with Polish plums, which, although more expensive, benefit from shorter transport distances and consistent quality.
Exporters expect demand for Moldovan plums to strengthen only in the second half of September, once European markets reduce their stocks of domestic plums. Meanwhile, harvest forecasts are more optimistic than early-season estimates: Growers are expected to collect around 80–90 thousand tons, roughly on par with last year's crop.
With prices stabilizing and volumes set to remain steady, traders anticipate a longer-than-usual sales season for Moldovan plums in 2025, with renewed opportunities on export markets toward the end of September.
Source: logos-pres.md