Melons and papayas market in Northern America

Earlier Report Observations

The fresh melons and papayas market in Northern America gradually contracted between 2018 and 2021, with the total volume falling from 2.85 million metric tons to 2.46 million metric tons.

A turnaround began in 2022 as the market volume stabilized and grew to 2.50 million metric tons. This recovery was supported by the introduction of greenhouse-grown melons, such as the Solara™ brand, which expanded production possibilities, alongside improvements in distribution systems and increased online shopping for fresh fruits that enhanced market access.

Growth accelerated in 2023, with the market volume rising to 2.65 million metric tons. This increase was driven by a rise in per capita consumption of watermelon, which reached nearly 16.9 pounds, reflecting sustained consumer health awareness, and continued innovation in melon varieties and production techniques.

Production melons and papayas in Northern America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of melons and papayas, 2017-2020

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

Melon and papaya production in Northern America has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, production reached 2 219 thousand tonnes, marking a 4.3% decrease from 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 19.3%, which translates to an average annual decline of 6.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of melon and papaya production in Northern America has dropped for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 1 236 million US dollars, down 2.2% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production value decreased by 29.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -11.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 826 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 30.8%, while the largest increase was in 2018, rising by 3.7%.

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

Exports melons and papayas from Northern America

Exports in kind, K t

The export market for melons and papayas from Northern America showed significant fluctuations during this period. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 0.4 thousand tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 1.0 thousand tonnes, resulting in a peak-to-trough ratio of 2.4 times. In 2020, exports dropped sharply to 0.5 thousand tonnes, a 46.8% decrease from the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2019, surging by 142.4%.

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

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Export values for melons and papayas from Northern America experienced notable volatility. The lowest value was in 2018 at 0.3 million US dollars, and the highest was in 2019 at 0.5 million US dollars, with a peak-to-trough amplitude of 1.9 times. In 2020, exports fell abruptly to 0.3 million US dollars, down 45.6% from a year earlier. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, jumping by 92.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main buyers of melons and papayas from Northern America in value terms were France, accounting for 1.7% of exports, Trinidad and Tobago at 1.1%, and Hong Kong at 0.7%. Together, these three countries represented 3.5% of total export value.

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

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

Imports melons and papayas to Northern America

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of melons and papayas into Northern America have increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports reached 331.9 thousand tonnes, up 3.6% from 2019. However, over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 28.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -10.4%. The lowest import volume was in 2018 at 195.8 thousand tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018, falling by 57.6%, while the largest increase was in 2019, rising by 63.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, imports of melons and papayas into Northern America were widely distributed among partner countries. Mexico accounted for 25.2% of imports in kind, Guatemala for 13.6%, and Honduras for 8.2%. Together, these three countries represented only 47.1% of total import flows, indicating a diverse sourcing pattern.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Northern America imported 232.0 million US dollars worth of melons and papayas, showing little change from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 4.4%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 1.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 232.0 million US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 3.7%.

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

The country composition of imports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was dispersed. Mexico accounted for 23.5% of imports, Guatemala for 14.7%, and Honduras for 8.3%. Together, these three countries formed just 46.5% of total import flows, with the remaining 53.5% spread across a wide range of other destinations.

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

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