Melons and papayas market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for melons and papayas in Spain showed initial stability, with a slight dip to 676 thousand tons in 2019 from 685 thousand tons in 2018. A significant turnaround occurred in 2020 when the COVID‑19 pandemic spurred demand for fresh fruit, including melons and watermelons, reversing prior consumption declines and pushing the market volume to 780 thousand tons.

Growth continued through 2021, reaching 817 thousand tons. In 2022, the market expanded further to 889 thousand tons, supported by shifting consumer preferences towards melons and watermelons amid a general decline in fresh fruit consumption. Additionally, global export restrictions and logistical disruptions reduced international shipments, making more product available domestically. By 2023, the market volume climbed to 933 thousand tons as per‑capita spending on melons and watermelons rose, despite extreme heat conditions that shortened the local harvest season.

Early indicators for 2024 point to a sustained positive trend, with household purchase volumes of melons and watermelons edging up by 0.4% and per‑capita consumption increasing by 4.6%, against a backdrop of ongoing high prices and resilient supply chains.

Production melons and papayas in Spain

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Spain ranked as the 10th largest global producer of melons and papayas, solidifying its position among the world's leading producers.

Top producers of melons and papayas, 2017-2020

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

In 2020, Spain produced 1,846 thousand tonnes of melons and papayas, representing a slight decrease of 0.8% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 4.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.4%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 1,757 thousand tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2019 with 1,860 thousand tonnes. The most significant year-on-year increase was observed in 2019, when production rose by 5.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of melon and papaya production in Spain reached 1,278 million US dollars in 2020, marking a 13.5% increase compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, the production value grew by 22.8%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 7.1%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 6.9% drop, while the most substantial increase was recorded in 2018, when the value surged by 16.3%.

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

Exports melons and papayas from Spain

Exports in kind, K t

Following two consecutive years of growth, Spain's exports of melons and papayas declined in 2020. Export volumes reached 1,278 thousand tonnes that year, reflecting a moderate decrease of 6.7% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 7.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.6%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 1,371 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest year-on-year increase of 8.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom remained Spain's primary markets for melon and papaya exports by volume. Germany accounted for 34.9% of exports, France for 20.3%, and the United Kingdom for 10.2%. Together, these three countries represented 65.4% of Spain's total export volume during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Spain's melon and papaya exports were valued at 885.3 million US dollars, representing a 6.7% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 26.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.3%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 4.5% decrease, while the most significant increase was recorded in 2018, when export value jumped by 24.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom continued to be Spain's main export markets by value for melons and papayas. Germany accounted for 31.8% of export value, France for 23.8%, and the United Kingdom for 9.8%. Collectively, these three markets represented 65.4% of Spain's total export value during this period.

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

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

Imports melons and papayas to Spain

Imports in kind, K t

Spain's imports of melons and papayas reached 213 thousand tonnes in 2020, showing a substantial increase of 14.4% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 26.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.2%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 2.2% decrease.

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

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, Morocco, Brazil, and Senegal dominated Spain's melon and papaya imports by volume, collectively accounting for 91.4% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, the value of Spain's melon and papaya imports amounted to 162.6 million US dollars, representing a 12.1% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value grew by 21.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.6%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 5.7% decrease, while the most significant increase was recorded in 2018, when import value rose by 14.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Brazil and Morocco continued to be Spain's leading sources of melon and papaya imports by value, together accounting for 81.2% of total import flows. Other trading partners played a supplementary role during this period.

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

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