Melons and papayas market in France

Earlier Report Observations

The French market for melons and papayas grew from 546 thousand tons in 2018 to 634 thousand tons in 2020. Unseasonal spring and a very hot summer in 2018 led to a late melon harvest, causing an oversupply and lower prices for producers. Despite this, consumption remained solid, and by 2020 the dominance of Charentais melon and the growing popularity of watermelon supported overall demand.

Market volume dipped slightly in 2021 before stabilizing in 2022 and rising to 633 thousand tons in 2023. During this period, intense price wars among major supermarkets squeezed producer margins, contributing to a long-term erosion of melon cultivation area. However, a trend of rising consumption linked to higher temperatures and growing interest in organic melons helped sustain the market. In 2023, adverse weather in Morocco, a key exporter, potentially bolstered domestic supply while French melon production increased.

In 2024, the sector faced continued pressure from unfavorable spring weather and strong competition with Moroccan and Spanish imports, leading to a further reduction in cultivated area. New melon varieties such as Belcanto and Acapella were introduced, showing good quality under difficult growing conditions.

Production melons and papayas in France

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of melons and papayas, 2017-2020

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

After a two-year decline, France's production of melons and papayas rebounded. In 2020, France produced 315.4 K t of melons and papayas, marking a significant 21.0% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 3.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.2%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 260.7 K t, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 10.3% drop.

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

Exports melons and papayas from France

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, France exported 90.1 K t of melons and papayas, representing a 14.6% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports rose by 28.2%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 8.6%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2018 at 118.5 K t, followed by the largest decline in 2019 with a 33.7% decrease. The most substantial increase occurred in 2018 with a 68.7% surge.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Switzerland, Belgium, and Germany were the primary destinations for France's melons and papayas exports in volume terms. Switzerland accounted for 23.6% of exports, Belgium for 18.1%, and Germany for 15.4%. Together, these three countries represented 57.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, France's melons and papayas exports reached 110.1 M $ US, reflecting a 28.2% gain over the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 27.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.4%. The lowest export value was recorded in 2019 at 85.9 M $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 9.5%.

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

During 2017-2020, Switzerland, Belgium, and Italy were the main destinations for France's melons and papayas exports in value terms. Switzerland accounted for 28.2% of exports, Belgium for 23.1%, and Italy for 12.9%. Collectively, these three countries made up 64.2% of total export value.

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

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

Imports melons and papayas to France

Imports in kind, K t

France's imports of melons and papayas increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, France imported approximately 409.1 K t of melons and papayas, showing a modest 1.0% uptick compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 10.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain and Morocco dominated France's imports of melons and papayas in volume terms, together accounting for 89.6% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among various other countries.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, France imported 403.9 M $ US worth of melons and papayas, corresponding to a solid 20.3% gain versus the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 27.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.3%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 with a 4.1% drop.

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

During 2017-2020, Spain and Morocco remained the key sources for France's melons and papayas imports in value terms, jointly representing 89.6% of total flows. Other partners contributed individually much smaller shares.

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

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