Melons and papayas market in Caribbean

Earlier Report Observations

The melon and papaya market volume in the Caribbean stood at 1.8 million tons in 2018 and climbed to 2.0 million tons the following year. After a dip to 1.9 million tons in 2020, it stabilized around that level in 2021.

A strong expansion phase began in 2022, with the market growing 17% to 2.2 million tons, then surging another 21% to 2.7 million tons in 2023. This growth was primarily driven by rising consumption linked to higher temperatures and by intense price competition among retailers, which kept melons affordable even as production costs rose.

In 2024, unfavorable spring weather in producing regions such as Martinique delayed crop development and pressured output. Concurrently, growing Brazilian papaya exports increased competitive pressure, while industry initiatives aimed at reducing food waste sought to streamline the supply chain.

Production melons and papayas in Caribbean

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of melons and papayas, 2017-2020

World map of production of melons and papayas, 2017-2020

Caribbean melons and papayas production declined after two years of growth. In 2019, production reached its peak at 2 028 thousand tonnes, but then fell by 6.5% to 1 896 thousand tonnes in 2020. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 13.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.3%. The largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2019, when production rose by 11.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Caribbean melons and papayas production value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2018, production value peaked at 3 297 million US dollars, but then dropped by 28.8% to 2 273 million US dollars in 2020. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value decreased by 25.7%, with an average annual decline of 9.4%. The largest year-on-year increase was recorded in 2018, when production value grew by 7.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports melons and papayas from Caribbean

Exports in kind, t

Caribbean melons and papayas exports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export volume stood at 2 958 tonnes, representing a 24.1% decrease from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 39.9%, which equates to an average annual decline of 15.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, France, and the United Kingdom were the leading destinations for Caribbean melons and papayas exports by volume. The United States accounted for 51.8% of exports, France for 9.0%, and the United Kingdom for 8.5%. Together, these three countries represented 69.3% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Caribbean melons and papayas export value declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 3 547 thousand US dollars, which is 42.2% lower than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export value decreased by 60.7%, corresponding to an average annual decline of 26.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, France, and the United Kingdom remained the main buyers of Caribbean melons and papayas by value. The United States accounted for 43.8% of export value, France for 15.1%, and the United Kingdom for 12.4%. Collectively, these three countries represented 71.4% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Caribbean in value, 2017-2020

Imports melons and papayas to Caribbean

Imports in kind, t

Caribbean melons and papayas imports increased after two years of decline. In 2019, import volume reached its lowest point at 7 291 tonnes, but then rose by 6.5% to 7 767 tonnes in 2020. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 18.4%, with an average annual decline of 6.6%. The largest year-on-year decrease occurred in 2018, when imports fell by 13.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Colombia, and Venezuela were the main sources of melons and papayas imports to the Caribbean by volume. The United States accounted for 55.0% of imports, Colombia for 11.1%, and Venezuela for 8.3%. Together, these three countries supplied 74.5% of total import volume.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Caribbean melons and papayas import value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2018, import value peaked at 11 689 thousand US dollars, but then dropped by 16.8% to 8 984 thousand US dollars in 2020. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value decreased by 18.6%, with an average annual decline of 6.6%. The largest year-on-year increase was recorded in 2018, when import value grew by 5.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the United States clearly dominated melons and papayas imports to the Caribbean by value, accounting for 71.4% of total import flows. Other countries each held significantly smaller shares during this period.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Caribbean in value, 2017-2020