Melons and papayas market in Western Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh melons and papayas in Western Europe fluctuated between 1 320 and 1 449 thousand tonnes from 2018 to 2023, with a notable dip in 2021. In value terms, the market expanded from 1 237 million US dollars in 2018 to 1 471 million in 2023, reflecting stronger price dynamics especially in recent years.

In 2020, lockdowns and movement restrictions caused labor shortages in melon harvesting and packaging, particularly affecting supply chains from the Americas to Europe. This constrained availability and contributed to higher prices, coinciding with a 15.6% increase in market value that year despite only a modest volume rise.

By 2023, papaya prices in key markets like Germany, France, and the Netherlands surged due to increased air freight costs and unfavorable weather in producing countries, tightening supply. Simultaneously, the wholesale fruit and vegetable market grew steadily, supported by rising demand for fresh produce and the expansion of e-commerce platforms, which bolstered overall sales channels.

Production melons and papayas in Western Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of melons and papayas, 2017-2020

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

After two consecutive years of decline, Western Europe's production of melons and papayas rebounded in 2020. That year, the region produced 317.1 thousand tons, marking a significant 21.0% increase compared to 2019. Looking at the full period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 3.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.1%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 262.1 thousand tons, while the steepest decline occurred in 2018 with a drop of 10.5%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of contraction, the value of melons and papayas production in Western Europe turned upward in 2020. Output was valued at 268.8 million US dollars that year, representing a 19.5% rise from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, however, production value decreased by 3.9%, translating to an average annual decline of 1.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 224.8 million US dollars, with the most substantial drop occurring in 2018 at 10.6%.

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

Exports melons and papayas from Western Europe

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Western Europe exported 523 thousand tons of melons and papayas, showing a moderate 8.3% increase compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 18.6%, which corresponds to an average annual growth rate of 5.9%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 1.2%, while the most significant increase occurred in 2018 with a 10.9% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Western Europe's exports of melons and papayas in volume terms were distributed across numerous markets without a clear dominant partner. Switzerland accounted for 6.3% of exports, the United Kingdom for 6.1%, and Poland for 5.3%. Together, these three countries represented just 17.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, the value of melons and papayas exports from Western Europe reached 443 million US dollars, up 7.0% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 10.3%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 3.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 445 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 6.9% drop, while the most substantial increase was in 2018 with a 10.7% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the value of melons and papayas exports from Western Europe was spread across a wide range of markets. Switzerland was the top destination with 7.6% of export value, followed by Italy at 5.8% and the United Kingdom at 4.9%. Combined, these three countries accounted for only 18.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports melons and papayas to Western Europe

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, Western Europe imported 1 646 thousand tons of melons and papayas, reflecting a modest 2.2% year-over-year increase. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 13.4%, corresponding to an average annual growth rate of 4.3%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 1.8%, while the most significant increase occurred in 2018 with a 13.0% rise.

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

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, Spain dominated Western Europe's imports of melons and papayas in volume terms, accounting for 48.7% of the total. Italy followed with 11.4% and Brazil with 11.3%. Together, these three countries represented 71.4% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, the value of melons and papayas imports into Western Europe amounted to 1 447 million US dollars, up 12.1% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 19.6%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 6.2%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 9.9%, while the most substantial increase occurred in 2018 with an 18.3% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Spain was the leading source of melons and papayas imports into Western Europe in value terms, accounting for 44.8% of the total. Brazil followed with 13.8% and Morocco with 10.4%. These three countries together represented 69.0% of total import flows.

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

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