Melons and papayas market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for melons and papayas in Italy showed significant fluctuations between 2018 and 2023, starting at 925 thousand tons in 2018, rising sharply to 1,131 thousand tons in 2019, then falling back to 959 thousand tons in 2020. A gradual recovery followed, reaching 1,006 thousand tons in 2021 and 1,023 thousand tons in 2022, before a strong surge to 1,312 thousand tons in 2023.

The notable 28% volume increase in 2023 was supported by sustained consumer demand and high wholesale prices for Sicilian melons, which reached 3.10–3.50 euros per kg. During the same year, the Mercafir wholesale market in Florence undertook a logistics overhaul and updated market regulations to improve safety, legality, and waste management, creating a more favorable trading environment that likely aided market expansion.

In 2024, Italian melons consolidated their presence in major retail chains, capturing 59% of listings with average prices rising from 1.68 to 2.47 euros per kg. Strong summer demand driven by hot weather and the growth of the fresh prepared foods sector, which increasingly incorporates fruits like melons and papayas, further shaped the market landscape.

Production melons and papayas in Italy

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

On a global scale, Italy ranked as the 19th largest producer of melons and papayas during the period from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of melons and papayas, 2017-2020

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

Italy's production of melons and papayas grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output reached 1 245.3 thousand tonnes, remaining nearly unchanged from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 5.8%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 1.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following a two-year increase, Italy's production value for melons and papayas declined. In 2020, the output was valued at 585.7 million US dollars, marking a modest drop of 8.3% compared to the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value rose by 11%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.5%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 638.4 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 11.1% also occurring that year.

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

Exports melons and papayas from Italy

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Italy exported 348.9 thousand tonnes of melons and papayas, representing a sharp increase of 34.4% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 38.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.4%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 23.7%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 34.9% rise.

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

During 2017–2020, Germany, Poland, and Czechia were the largest buyers of melons and papayas from Italy in volume terms. Germany accounted for 42.4% of exports, Poland for 12.1%, and Czechia for 7.2%, together making up 61.7% of total exports.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Italy exported 164.1 million US dollars worth of melons and papayas in 2020, marking an advance of 23.0% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 45.1%, with a CAGR of 13.2%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 164.4 million US dollars, with the largest decline in 2019 at 18.8% and the largest increase in 2018 at 45.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Switzerland, and Poland were the top contributors to Italy's melons and papayas exports in value terms. Germany represented 41.0% of exports, Switzerland 10.4%, and Poland 8.2%, jointly accounting for 59.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports melons and papayas to Italy

Imports in kind, K t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2020 at 62.7 thousand tonnes, indicating a drop of 57.7% from the previous year, after peaking in 2019 at 148.1 thousand tonnes. This represents a 2.4-fold shift between the two years. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 95.8%.

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

In 2017–2020, Spain, Greece, and Brazil were the main sources for Italy's imports of melons and papayas in volume terms. Spain accounted for 27.1% of imports, Greece for 22.5%, and Brazil for 10.7%, together forming 60.3% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year uptick, Italy's import value for melons and papayas declined. In 2020, imports totaled 55.7 million US dollars, showing a fall of 49.3% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 14%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.9%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 109.9 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 55.5% also occurring that year.

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

During 2017–2020, Spain, France, and Brazil remained the primary suppliers of melons and papayas to Italy in value terms. Spain represented 26.5% of imports, France 14.7%, and Brazil 13.2%, jointly forming 54.4% of total imports.

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

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