Melons and papayas market in Australia

Earlier Report Observations

The Australian melons and papayas market volume fluctuated between 2018 and 2023, starting at 392.3 тыс. т in 2018, dipping to 363.2 тыс. т in 2019, then rising steadily to a peak of 415.3 тыс. т in 2022 before falling to 398.6 тыс. т in 2023.

Industry initiatives played a key role in the recovery from 2020. The papaya sector introduced a grower-raised levy in 2021, funding the Papaya Strategic Investment Plan 2022-26 to drive demand and improve sustainable production. For melons, the 'Safe Melons' initiative enhanced food safety across the supply chain, while Melons Australia underwent reforms to strengthen market representation and access, supporting post-COVID-19 demand recovery.

The market decline in 2023 was primarily due to a 7-8% drop in fresh melon production, despite a healthy papaya harvest. Throughout the period, the industry focused on managing biosecurity risks, rising input costs, and responding to consumer preferences for higher quality and safer produce.

Production melons and papayas in Australia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of melons and papayas, 2018-2021

World map of production of melons and papayas, 2018-2021

Australia's production of melons and papayas has increased for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 419.3 thousand tonnes, marking a moderate year-over-year rise of 3.9%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2019 at 387.0 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 6.1%. In contrast, the biggest increase occurred in 2020 with a 4.3% growth.

Annual dynamics of production in Australia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Australia's production value of melons and papayas has risen for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the output was valued at 645.3 million US dollars, up by 20.7% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production value increased by 31.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 477.8 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 2.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Australia in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports melons and papayas from Australia

Exports in kind, t

Australia exported 14 643 tonnes of melons and papayas in 2021, which is 3.0% higher than in 2020. However, over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 26.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -9.7%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 14 215 tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 24 024 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2020 with a 40.8% drop, and the biggest increase was in 2019 with a 20.6% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and New Zealand were the top destinations for Australia's melons and papayas exports by volume. Singapore accounted for 27.1% of exports, the United Arab Emirates for 23.1%, and New Zealand for 18.0%. Together, these three markets made up 68.1% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Australia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Australia's cross-border shipments of melons and papayas were valued at 22 535 thousand US dollars, representing a substantial year-over-year increase of 19.6%. Despite this, over the period from 2018 to 2021, export value decreased by 4.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 18 835 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 29 665 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2020 with a 36.5% drop, and the biggest increase was in 2019 with a 25.4% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, and Japan were the leading markets for Australia's melons and papayas exports by value. The United Arab Emirates accounted for 25.0% of exports, Singapore for 22.2%, and Japan for 18.6%. Combined, these three countries represented 65.9% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Australia in value, 2018-2021

Imports melons and papayas to Australia

Imports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment for imports. Australia imported 27 tonnes of melons and papayas in 2021, which is 12.4% lower than the previous year. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 261 tonnes, while the lowest was in 2021, resulting in a 9.7-fold gap between these years. The largest decline occurred in 2020 with an 88.3% drop, and the biggest increase was in 2019 with a 96.2% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Australia in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Fiji, Thailand, and New Zealand were the main sources for Australia's melons and papayas imports by volume. Fiji accounted for 39.4% of imports, Thailand for 4.2%, and New Zealand for 0.7%. Together, these three countries made up 44.3% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Australia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during this period. In 2021, Australia's cross-border shipments of melons and papayas amounted to 163 thousand US dollars, which is 27.4% higher than a year earlier. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 578 thousand US dollars, while the lowest was in 2020 at 128 thousand US dollars, showing a 4.5-fold shift. The largest decline occurred in 2020 with a 77.8% drop, and the biggest increase was in 2019 with a 128.9% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Australia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Over the period from 2018 to 2021, Fiji, Thailand, and New Zealand contributed the most to Australia's melons and papayas imports by value. Fiji accounted for 68.0% of imports, Thailand for 4.8%, and New Zealand for 2.0%. Jointly, these three countries represented 74.9% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Australia in value, 2018-2021