Melons and papayas market in Fiji

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh melons and papayas in Fiji expanded substantially between 2018 and 2023. Over this five-year period, the market volume grew by 84%, rising from 8 193 t to 15 047 t. In value terms, the increase was even more pronounced, surging by 111% from $18.3 million to $38.6 million.

Growth followed an uneven trajectory. After steady gains in 2019 and 2020, the market volume stabilized in 2021 with only a marginal increase. Similarly, the market value saw minimal change in 2022. The year 2023, however, marked a sharp acceleration, with volume jumping by 32% and value by 41% compared to the previous year.

This overall expansion was accompanied by a strong rise in domestic production, which increased from 8 219 t in 2018 to 15 150 t in 2023. Imports and exports remained relatively low throughout the period, indicating that the market was primarily supplied by local output.

Production melons and papayas in Fiji

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of melons and papayas, 2017-2020

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

Fiji's production of melons and papayas has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 10 155 tons, marking a 6.4% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 33%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 10.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

The value of melons and papayas production in Fiji has also increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 23 727 thousand US dollars, up 9.7% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value grew by 48.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.2%.

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

Exports melons and papayas from Fiji

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes showed an unstable trend over the period. The lowest point was in 2018 at 89.6 tons, while the peak occurred in 2017, with a 3.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Fiji exported 142.3 tons of melons and papayas, a sharp decline of 48.1% from 2019. The largest decrease was recorded in 2018 at 67.4%, and the biggest increase was in 2019 at 206.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, New Zealand and Australia were the primary export destinations for melons and papayas in volume terms, together accounting for 96.1% of total exports. The remaining share was distributed among other markets.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values experienced irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market. The lowest point was in 2018 at 199.2 thousand US dollars, while the peak was in 2019 at 621.9 thousand US dollars, showing a 3.1-fold gap. In 2020, exports amounted to 332.5 thousand US dollars, down 46.5% from 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 65.2%, and the biggest increase was in 2019 at 212.2%.

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

During 2017–2020, New Zealand and Australia dominated the export partner structure in value terms, while other countries made up the remainder.

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

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

Imports melons and papayas to Fiji

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes were volatile during these years. The lowest point was in 2020 at 10.8 tons, while the peak was in 2018 at 63.9 tons, resulting in a 5.9-fold variation. In 2020, imports decreased by 80.2% year-over-year. The largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 5.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Australia was the dominant source for melons and papayas imports to Fiji in volume terms, representing 72.8% of total imports. The rest was spread across several smaller markets.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Import values showed noticeable fluctuations over the period. The lowest point was in 2020 at 38.6 thousand US dollars, while the peak was in 2018 at 224.2 thousand US dollars, with a 5.8-fold gap. In 2020, imports fell by 78.7% compared to 2019. The largest increase occurred in 2018 at 4.9%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, the import structure in value terms was highly concentrated, with Australia and New Zealand jointly accounting for 99.8% of total imports.

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

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