Global Prune Supply Tightens as Demand for Large Sizes Grows

Global prune supplies are tightening, with a growing shortage of large-size products expected in the 2025/26 season.

At the recent 19th China Nut and Dried Fruit Food Exhibition, held from April 16 to 19 in Hefei, Anhui province, Erik Zuloaga from Fruteec Chile presented a report on the Chilean prune industry. Global prune production in 2025/26 is estimated at approximately 191,300 metric tons, down roughly 7% from the previous season. Chile, the world’s largest producer and exporter of prunes, continues to play a critical role, with its output expected to account for about 36% of the global total. Chile’s prune production in the 2025/26 season is forecast to rise by about 5% compared with the 2024/25 season. However, weather conditions in growing regions have not been entirely favorable. On March 16, the Colchagua Valley, one of the main growing areas, received more than 50 millimeters of rain, which affected some areas during the last drying stage. Damage assessments are still ongoing. Flowering began early this season, and the harvest started in early February 2026, ahead of the usual ...