Melons and papayas market in Guinea

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market for fresh melons and papayas in Guinea demonstrated steady annual growth of around 5%, reaching over 84 thousand tons. This expansion coincided with industry efforts to promote melons at international trade fairs like MEDFEL, which helped raise product profile, while a broader market focus on freshness and organic quality supported sustained consumer interest.

The upward trajectory continued through 2021 and 2022, with the market volume climbing to over 92 thousand tons. During these years, rising global air freight costs increased prices for imported papayas, potentially making domestic production more attractive. Furthermore, the organization of growers into cooperatives in 2022 aided in managing seasonal labor and production challenges, contributing to consistent output growth despite the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on global logistics and foodservice demand.

By 2023, the market volume approached 97 thousand tons, completing a period of stable, production-driven expansion. The market remained largely self-sufficient, with imports and exports playing a negligible role in the overall supply.

Production melons and papayas in Guinea

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of melons and papayas, 2017-2020

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

Guinea's production of melons and papayas has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 84 077 tonnes, marking a moderate increase of 4.9% compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 15.6%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 4.9%.

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

Exports melons and papayas from Guinea

Exports in kind, kg

The export market for melons and papayas showed an unstable pattern over this period. Exports hit their lowest point in 2019 at 152 kg, then surged to a peak in 2018, with a 156-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, Guinea exported 635 kg, representing a sharp increase of 317.8% from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when exports dropped by 99.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Guinea in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, nearly all of Guinea's melon and papaya exports in volume terms went to Spain, which accounted for 96.8% of the total.

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

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

Exports in value, $ US

Export values fluctuated significantly, pointing to a volatile market. The lowest point was in 2019 at 592 US dollars, while the peak came in 2018, with a 44-fold gap between these years. In 2020, exports amounted to 1 400 US dollars, a dramatic rise of 136.5% compared to 2019. The steepest decline was in 2019, with a drop of 97.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Spain was by far the leading buyer of Guinea's melons and papayas in value terms, making up 92.9% of total exports.

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

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

Imports melons and papayas to Guinea

Imports in kind, kg

Guinea's imports of melons and papayas have fallen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 1 475 kg, an 80.2% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports declined by 88%, with an average annual reduction rate of 50.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Guinea in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Morocco and Spain were the main sources for Guinea's melon and papaya imports in volume, together representing 99.7% of the total.

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

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

Imports in value, $ US

Import values experienced irregular shifts, reflecting a turbulent market. The peak was in 2019 at 5 640 US dollars, while the trough came in 2020, with a 2.2-fold difference. In 2020, imports totaled 2 561 US dollars, down 54.6% from the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a jump of 98.2%.

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

During 2017-2020, Morocco and Spain dominated Guinea's melon and papaya imports in value, accounting for 98.4% of the total, while other partners played a minor role.

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

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