Melons and papayas market in Croatia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh melons and papayas in Croatia experienced notable fluctuations between 2018 and 2023. Starting at 41 591 tons in 2018, market volume declined to 39 211 tons in 2019 and fell sharply to 26 912 tons in 2020. It then rebounded strongly to 39 586 tons in 2021, dipped again to 34 147 tons in 2022, and reached 40 360 tons in 2023. Domestic production followed a similar pattern, dropping from 32 000 tons in 2018 to a low of 18 270 tons in 2020 before recovering to 31 420 tons by 2023.

In April 2022, Croatia implemented a reduction in the value-added tax on fresh and dried fruit, including melons and papayas, from 13% to 5%. This measure aimed to make healthy produce more affordable and could stimulate consumer demand over time. Concurrently, consumer trends in the country showed growing interest in healthy and organic foods, which may have supported market recovery in subsequent years. The temporary market contraction in 2022 likely reflected other short-term factors, while the VAT cut and health trends provided a favorable backdrop for the market's return to growth in 2023.

Production melons and papayas in Croatia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of melons and papayas, 2017-2020

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

Croatia's production of melons and papayas has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 18 270 tonnes, which represents a 27.0% decrease compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production fell by 21.9%, translating to an average annual decline of 7.9%. The peak production was recorded in 2018 at 32 000 tonnes, which also saw the largest year-on-year increase of 36.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Croatia in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Croatia's production of melons and papayas in monetary terms has also declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 8 032 thousand US dollars, marking a 22.5% drop from 2019. However, over the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production value actually increased by 15%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 11 681 thousand US dollars, which experienced the largest increase of 67.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Croatia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports melons and papayas from Croatia

Exports in kind, t

Croatia's exports of melons and papayas have increased for the third year running. In 2020, export volumes reached 4 680 tonnes, up by 35.4% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 89.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 23.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Slovenia and Germany were the dominant destinations for Croatia's exports in volume terms, together accounting for 82.3% of total flows, while other markets made up the remainder.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Croatia's exports of melons and papayas in value terms have also risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports stood at 2 058 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 43.8% increase year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, export value surged by 178.7%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 40.7%.

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

In the period from 2017 to 2020, Germany and Slovenia were the key markets for Croatia's exports in value terms, with Germany accounting for 43.5% and Slovenia for 41.2% of total flows. Together, they formed 84.7% of total exports, with other partners contributing the rest.

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

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

Imports melons and papayas to Croatia

Imports in kind, t

Croatia's imports of melons and papayas in volume terms declined in 2020, with 13 323 tonnes imported, which is 24.5% lower than the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 16.7%, with an average annual decline of 5.9%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 12 524 tonnes, while the peak was in 2019 at 17 639 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 40.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Greece, and Albania were the main suppliers of melons and papayas to Croatia in volume terms. Italy accounted for 35.8% of imports, Greece for 22.7%, and Albania for 8.7%, together making up 67.2% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, Croatia's imports of melons and papayas in value terms declined in 2020. The country imported approximately 5 651 thousand US dollars worth, which represents a sharp decrease of 35.9% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 11.8%, with an average annual decline of 4.1%. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 8 811 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 33.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy, Greece, and Germany were the primary sources for Croatia's imports in value terms. Italy contributed 38.7%, Greece 19.9%, and Germany 8.6%, collectively accounting for 67.2% of total import flows.

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

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