Melons and papayas market in the United States

Earlier Report Observations

The U.S. market for melons and papayas contracted from 2018 to 2020, with volume falling from 3.7 million tons to 3.2 million tons. A recovery began in 2021 as market volume grew 3% to 3.3 million tons, a shift supported by Fresh Del Monte's expansion of organic fresh-cut fruit production in North America, which increased industry investment and broadened the fresh fruit segment. Growth continued to 3.5 million tons in 2022 before stabilizing near that level in 2023.

The market structure is influenced by major players like Dole, Del Monte, Chiquita, and Fyffes. New product entries, such as WYCO Produce's premium Dulzita papaya variety, respond to evolving demand for non-traditional types. Industry standards have adapted, exemplified by the development of a food safety best practices guide for Mexican papaya. Consumer preference for healthy, fresh, and sustainable options drives demand, while production remains vulnerable to supply volatility from climate change effects like unseasonable weather.

Production melons and papayas in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States ranked seventh globally in the production of melons and papayas.

Top producers of melons and papayas, 2017-2020

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

The United States saw its production volume of melons and papayas decline for the third year in a row. In 2020, production reached 2,174 thousand tonnes, which was 4.4% lower than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production fell by 19.6%, translating to an average annual decrease of 7.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The United States experienced a second consecutive year of decline in the value of melons and papayas production. In 2020, the output was valued at 1,412 million US dollars, down 4.2% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value decreased by 15.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1,684 million US dollars. The most significant drop occurred in 2019 with a 12.5% decrease, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 0.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports melons and papayas from the United States

Exports in kind, K t

The United States' export volume of melons and papayas declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 387 thousand tonnes, marking a modest 3.5% decrease compared to the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 13.8%, which corresponds to an average annual decline of 4.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the majority of melons and papayas exports from the United States were shipped to Canada, which accounted for 90.1% of total exports in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The United States' exports of melons and papayas in value terms declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 251.1 million US dollars, showing a modest 3.3% year-over-year drop. Between 2017 and 2020, export value decreased by 9.2%, equating to an average annual rate of -3.2%. The peak value was in 2018 at 282.6 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with an 8.1% decrease, while the biggest increase was in 2018 at 2.2%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Canada remained the primary destination for US exports in value terms, capturing 87.9% of total flows, with the remainder distributed among various smaller markets.

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

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

Imports melons and papayas to the United States

Imports in kind, K t

The United States' import volume of melons and papayas declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were approximately 1,455 thousand tonnes, representing a 6.9% reduction compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 8.5%, which translates to an average annual decline of 2.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Mexico and Guatemala continued to dominate the import market in volume terms, together making up 83.4% of total flows, while other partners played a supplementary role.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, the United States' import value of melons and papayas stood at 833.5 million US dollars, indicating a moderate 9.9% decrease from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value fell by 8.4%, corresponding to an average annual decline of 2.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 925.3 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 4.3%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Mexico and Guatemala together accounted for 80.7% of total imports in value terms, with the rest of the flows thinly spread across other markets.

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

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