Melons and papayas market in the Philippines

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh melons and papayas in the Philippines contracted from 323.6 thousand tons in 2018 to 284.2 thousand tons in 2023. A significant drop to 291.2 thousand tons in 2019 occurred alongside shifts in consumer purchasing behavior, where factors like the physical distance to preferred retailers and the presence of deceptive marketing practices in some areas affected fresh fruit consumption, including for papaya.

Market dynamics were further influenced by evolving consumer trends, particularly a growing demand for fresh fruits driven by health benefits and a preference for high-quality local produce. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of online grocery platforms, which began optimizing delivery and promotions for fresh fruit, altering distribution channels. Despite these supportive factors, the market volume continued a gradual decline, falling to 295.6 thousand tons in 2022.

By 2023, the market landscape was also shaped by the expansion of physical retail spaces and a rising consumer preference for plant-based and fresh seasonal ingredients. These trends underscored a sustained interest in fresh fruits like papaya, yet the overall market volume for melons and papayas decreased further to 284.2 thousand tons.

Production melons and papayas in the Philippines

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of melons and papayas, 2017-2020

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

In 2019, melon and papaya production in the Philippines reached its lowest point at 317.4 thousand tonnes. This was followed by a slight recovery in 2020, with output rising by 0.7% to 319.7 thousand tonnes. The peak production occurred in 2018, when volumes hit 327.5 thousand tonnes. The most significant year-on-year decline was recorded in 2019 at 3.1%, while the largest increase took place in 2018 with growth of 1.6%.

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

Exports melons and papayas from the Philippines

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes of melons and papayas from the Philippines showed considerable volatility between 2017 and 2020. The lowest point was recorded in 2017, while exports peaked in 2019 at 26,196 tonnes. In 2020, exports plummeted to 5,136 tonnes, representing a dramatic 80.4% decrease compared to the previous year. The most substantial year-on-year increase occurred in 2019, when exports surged by 564.8%. Overall, export levels fluctuated 12-fold between the 2017 low and the 2019 high.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China, Japan, and New Zealand were the primary destinations for Philippine melon and papaya exports in volume terms. China accounted for 29.4% of total exports, followed by Japan at 28.0%, and New Zealand at 14.8%. Together, these three markets represented 72.2% of all Philippine melon and papaya exports during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Philippine melon and papaya exports in value terms have shown consistent growth, increasing for the third consecutive year in 2020. Exports reached $5.638 million in 2020, marking a 6.5% rise compared to 2019. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, export values increased by 122.7%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 30.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Japan, China, and New Zealand formed the core markets for Philippine melon and papaya exports in value terms. Japan accounted for 29.1% of total export value, China represented 28.4%, and New Zealand contributed 15.2%. Collectively, these three destinations accounted for 72.7% of the total export value during this four-year period.

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

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

Imports melons and papayas to the Philippines

Imports in kind, t

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China was the exclusive supplier of melons and papayas to the Philippines in volume terms, accounting for 100.0% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

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

During the 2017-2020 period, the Philippines showed complete dependence on China for melon and papaya imports in value terms, with China accounting for 100.0% of total import value.

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

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