Melons and papayas market in French Polynesia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market for fresh melons and papayas in French Polynesia showed mixed dynamics. In 2019, the release of agronomic recommendations for melon cultivation, including the selection of adapted varieties and a specific fertilization program, supported a rise in domestic production to 1 612 t. The subsequent year, however, saw production drop to 1 469 t and total market volume contract to 1 696 t, a downturn likely influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the confinement period, the main municipal market in Papeete partially maintained its Sunday openings and adjusted its operating hours to preserve the availability of fresh fruits for consumers.

The market rebounded strongly in 2021, with production climbing to 1 746 t and total market volume reaching 2 051 t. Growth continued into 2022 as production rose further to 1 993 t, pushing the total market volume to a peak of 2 152 t despite lower import levels. A significant downturn followed in 2023, with production falling to 1 364 t and the market contracting to 1 438 t. That same year, a major innovation entered the sector with the launch of a pilot greenhouse project on the island of Huahine, designed to produce watermelons and melons and aiming to supply local schools and markets, marking a potential shift in local production capabilities.

For 2024, market development efforts included making temporary vendor stalls available at the Papeete market to encourage new sellers and organizing a large Christmas market event to promote local products, initiatives that could diversify sales channels for fresh fruits like melons and papayas.

Production melons and papayas in French Polynesia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of melons and papayas, 2017-2020

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

In 2019, French Polynesia produced 1 612 tonnes of melons and papayas, marking the highest output during the period. However, production declined to 1 469 tonnes in 2020, representing an 8.9% decrease from the previous year. Over the entire 2017-2020 timeframe, production fell by 8.6%, with an average annual decline of 2.9%. The most significant year-on-year increase occurred in 2019, when production rose by 1.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in French Polynesia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports melons and papayas from French Polynesia

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes showed considerable volatility throughout the period. The lowest point was recorded in 2018 at 0.0 tonnes, while exports peaked in 2020, also at 0.0 tonnes, creating a 4.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports experienced a dramatic 200.0% increase compared to 2019. The most substantial decline occurred in 2018, when exports dropped by 46.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France was the exclusive destination for melons and papayas exports from French Polynesia, accounting for 100.0% of all shipments in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values exhibited noticeable fluctuations during this period. The lowest value was recorded in 2017, while exports reached their peak in 2019 at 0.1 thousand US dollars, creating a 2.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, export values declined to 0.1 thousand US dollars, representing a 36.7% decrease from 2019. The most significant increase occurred in 2018, when export values rose by 89.2%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, France maintained complete dominance as the buyer of melons and papayas from French Polynesia, representing 100.0% of total export value.

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

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

Imports melons and papayas to French Polynesia

Imports in kind, t

After increasing for two consecutive years, import volumes of melons and papayas to French Polynesia declined in 2020. Imports reached 227.0 tonnes in 2020, showing a substantial 23.6% decrease from the previous year. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 296.9 tonnes. Over the entire 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 9.8%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 3.4%. The most significant increase occurred in 2018, when imports rose by 16.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States was the primary source for melons and papayas imports to French Polynesia, accounting for 73.9% of total import volume. Other markets contributed smaller shares to complete the import structure.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Following two years of growth, import values of melons and papayas to French Polynesia declined in 2020. Imports totaled 403.7 thousand US dollars in 2020, representing a 16.8% decrease from 2019. The peak import value was recorded in 2019 at 485.4 thousand US dollars. Over the 2017-2020 period, import values decreased by 6.6%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 2.2%. The most substantial increase occurred in 2018, when import values rose by 11.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Australia together dominated the import market for melons and papayas in French Polynesia, accounting for 87.7% of total import value. Other trading partners played complementary roles in the import structure.

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

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