Melons and papayas market in Polynesia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh melons and papayas in Polynesia contracted from 6 309 t in 2018 to 5 603 t by 2020. During the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers increasingly bought directly from local producers, supporting domestic agriculture and maintaining fruit distribution despite restrictions.

A recovery began in 2021, with market volume rising to 6 086 t, and further growth to 6 440 t in 2022. This expansion was aided by the launch of a pilot greenhouse for watermelons and melons in Huahine, which boosted local production. At the same time, new price-control legislation aimed to regulate costs for essential goods, including fresh fruits.

In 2023, the market declined to 5 818 t. The same year saw the implementation of the JOPI system, which streamlined intellectual property protection and could foster innovation in the fruit sector.

Production melons and papayas in Polynesia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of melons and papayas, 2017-2020

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

Polynesia's production of melons and papayas has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 5 852 tonnes, marking a slight decrease of 2.3% compared to 2019. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 3.4%, which translates to an average annual decline of 1.2%.

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

Exports melons and papayas from Polynesia

Exports in kind, t

The export market for melons and papayas from Polynesia showed considerable volatility over the observed period. Exports hit their lowest point in 2018 at 19.1 tonnes, then surged to a peak of 677.4 tonnes in 2020, representing a 35-fold increase between these two years. In 2020, exports grew by 4.2% compared to 2019. The most significant decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 96.1%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019, soaring by 3 302.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, New Zealand was the dominant destination for Polynesia's melons and papayas exports in volume terms, accounting for 73.2% of total shipments. Other countries each held much smaller shares during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values for melons and papayas from Polynesia experienced irregular fluctuations, indicating a volatile market. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 20.8 thousand US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2019 at 305.9 thousand US dollars, showing a 14.7-fold difference. In 2020, exports amounted to 303.4 thousand US dollars, a slight decrease of 0.8% from the previous year. The largest decline was in 2018, falling by 92.5%, and the most substantial increase was in 2019, rising by 1 374.0%.

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

During the 2017–2020 period, New Zealand maintained a dominant position in the value of Polynesia's melons and papayas exports, representing 71.9% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among various smaller markets.

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

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

Imports melons and papayas to Polynesia

Imports in kind, t

Polynesia's imports of melons and papayas have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 428.2 tonnes, up by 18.4% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 60.4%, equivalent to an average annual increase of 17.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand were the primary sources for Polynesia's melons and papayas imports in volume terms. The United States accounted for 57.2% of imports, Australia for 12.6%, and New Zealand for 10.1%, together making up 79.9% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Polynesia's imports of melons and papayas in value terms amounted to 499.7 thousand US dollars, a decrease of 7.5% from the previous year. Over the 2017–2020 period, imports increased by 5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 540.3 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2018, rising by 13.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand continued to be the main suppliers of melons and papayas to Polynesia in value terms. The United States held 58.3% of imports, Australia 18.7%, and New Zealand 13.6%, collectively accounting for 90.5% of total import value.

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

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