Melons and papayas market in New Caledonia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market for melons and papayas in New Caledania grew from 930 metric tons to 1 086 metric tons. This expansion was supported by a record papaya yield in 2019, with potential harvests reaching 100 metric tons per hectare, which increased local supply. Earlier, in 2018, the implementation of a 3% general consumption tax on fresh melons and papayas influenced retail pricing and distribution channels.

Market volume then contracted to 942 metric tons in 2021 and further to 694 metric tons in 2022, as domestic production fell sharply. During this period, regulatory approval was granted for papaya extract to be used as a natural active ingredient in phytosanitary products, a change aimed at promoting more sustainable cultivation practices.

A recovery occurred in 2023, with market volume rising to 768 metric tons on the back of increased production to 604 metric tons. The development of local farmers' markets and short supply chains, including the opening of the Ducos broussard market, facilitated direct sales and boosted consumption. Technical guidelines for cultivating papayas and melons, optimized for New Caledonia's warm climate, also provided support for growers.

Production melons and papayas in New Caledonia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of melons and papayas, 2017-2020

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

New Caledonia's production of melons and papayas has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 1 004 tonnes, marking a 22.4% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 29.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in New Caledonia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports melons and papayas from New Caledonia

Exports in kind, t

Melons and papayas exports from New Caledonia have fallen for the second consecutive year. In 2019, exports totaled just 0.1 tonnes, a sharp decline of 99.4% compared to the year before. From 2017 to 2019, exports dropped by 99.7%, with an average annual decrease of 85.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from New Caledonia in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Canada was the primary destination for New Caledonia's melons and papayas exports, consistently taking 99.7% of the total volume.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed an unstable trend over this period. Exports reached their highest value in 2018, then fell to their lowest in 2019, with a 50-fold difference between these years. In 2019, New Caledonia exported 0.2 thousand US dollars worth of melons and papayas, a 98.0% drop from the previous year. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 10.2 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 1.3%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Canada remained the key partner for exports in value terms, accounting for 98.1% of the total.

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

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

Imports melons and papayas to New Caledonia

Imports in kind, t

Imports of melons and papayas into New Caledonia have decreased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports stood at 82.2 tonnes, down 41.5% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 53.9%, with an average annual decline of 22.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to New Caledonia in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Australia was the main source of melons and papayas imports into New Caledonia, absorbing 98.1% of the total volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Imports of melons and papayas into New Caledonia have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 119.1 thousand US dollars, a sharp drop of 25.4% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 54%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 22.8%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Australia dominated imports in value terms for melons and papayas into New Caledonia, consistently making up 96.9% of the total flows.

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

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