Melons and papayas market in Greece

Earlier Report Observations

The Greek fresh melons and papayas market began the period with a volume of 521.6 thousand tons in 2018, which fell sharply to 220.6 thousand tons in 2019. During these years, papaya was establishing itself as an exotic fruit in selected retail outlets, but this did not offset the broader market contraction.

A recovery followed, with market volume rising to 282.9 thousand tons in 2020 and reaching 331.3 thousand tons in 2021. This growth was primarily driven by increased consumer demand for papaya after nutritionists and media widely promoted its health benefits, including antioxidants and vitamins. The launch of new, standardized packaging for papaya products by private companies also made it more accessible to consumers.

After 2021, the market volume gradually declined to 305.9 thousand tons in 2022 and 290.9 thousand tons in 2023. Throughout this period, consumer awareness of papaya's advantages continued to grow, and organic products from regions like Crete became more prominent. Notably, the market value consistently increased from $90.1 million in 2020 to $138.7 million in 2023, reflecting a shift toward higher-value organic segments. Into 2024, the market remains focused on organic and standardized papaya products with stable demand.

Production melons and papayas in Greece

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Greece ranked as the 29th largest global producer of melons and papayas, placing it among the world's leading producers in this category.

Top producers of melons and papayas, 2017-2020

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

In 2020, Greece produced 495.7 K t of melons and papayas, marking a significant 20.5% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 6%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.0%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 411.3 K t, while the peak occurred in 2018 with 704.9 K t. The most substantial decline of 41.7% took place in 2019, whereas the largest increase of 50.7% was observed in 2018.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The market for melons and papayas in Greece experienced notable fluctuations during this period. Production value peaked in 2018 and reached its lowest point in 2019, with a 1.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the output was valued at 155.9 M $ US, reflecting a 14.1% gain compared to 2019. The minimum value of 136.6 M $ US was recorded in 2019, while the maximum of 242.3 M $ US occurred in 2018. The most significant decline of 43.6% happened in 2019, and the largest increase of 74.4% was seen in 2018.

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

Exports melons and papayas from Greece

Exports in kind, K t

Greece's exports of melons and papayas grew for the third consecutive year in 2020, reaching 214.6 K t—an 11.1% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports rose by 22.6%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 7.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Greece's export destinations for melons and papayas were highly diversified. Germany accounted for 17.4% of exports in kind, Italy for 14.7%, and Bulgaria for 10.3%, with these three countries together making up 42.3% of total flows. The remaining 57.7% was distributed among a wide range of smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Greece exported melons and papayas worth 67 474 K $ US, showing a modest 5.2% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 29.8%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 9.1%. The largest decline of 0.7% occurred in 2019, while the most significant increase of 24.2% was recorded in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical distribution of Greece's melon and papaya exports in value terms remained highly diversified. Germany represented 19.1% of export value, Italy 16.3%, and Poland 10.0%, with these three countries collectively accounting for 45.4% of total flows. The remaining 54.6% was spread across numerous smaller partner countries.

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

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

Imports melons and papayas to Greece

Imports in kind, K t

Import levels of melons and papayas in Greece showed volatility during the observed period, fluctuating 2.5 times between the high in 2018 and the low in 2020. In 2020, imports totaled 1.9 K t, reflecting a sharp 25.8% drop from the previous year. The maximum import volume of 4.7 K t was recorded in 2018. The largest decline of 46.4% occurred in 2019, while the most substantial increase of 72.9% was seen in 2018.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany was the top supplier of melons and papayas to Greece, accounting for 28.8% of imports in kind, followed by Italy at 22.9% and the Netherlands at 16.2%. Together, these three countries represented 67.8% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Greece's imports of melons and papayas declined for the second consecutive year in 2020, totaling 1 689 K $ US—a significant 26.3% decrease from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 5%, equating to an average annual decline of 1.7%. The maximum import value of 2 768 K $ US was recorded in 2018, which also saw the largest increase of 55.7%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Germany dominated Greece's imports of melons and papayas in value terms, representing 42.1% of the total. The Netherlands followed with 31.1%, and Italy with 11.7%. These three countries together accounted for 84.9% of total import flows.

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

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