Melons and papayas market Turkey

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh melons and papayas in Turkey declined from 5.8 million tons in 2018 to 4.5 million tons in 2023. This contraction was driven by a fall in domestic production, which dropped from 5.8 million tons to 4.6 million tons over the period, alongside a significant rise in exports, which more than doubled from 67 000 tons to 145 000 tons by 2023.

Papaya remained a niche product with limited local cultivation due to its need for tropical climate conditions, particularly in hot and humid regions. However, consumer demand for exotic fruits like papaya grew, supported by improved market access through online sales platforms and neighborhood markets. From 2020 onward, platforms such as Yemeksepeti facilitated new distribution models, helping to meet rising interest in fresh and natural products.

Although government support and private investment for papaya production and marketing stayed limited, the segment saw diversification of sales channels. The expansion of tropical fruit cultivation in temperate areas like Gazipaşa, Antalya, indicated efforts to broaden the fruit basket, but overall market dynamics were shaped by broader trends in production and trade.

Production melons and papayas Turkey

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey maintained its position as the world's third-largest producer of melons and papayas by volume.

Top producers of melons and papayas, 2017-2020

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

Turkey's production of melons and papayas declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 5,216 thousand tonnes, marking a controlled decrease of 7.6% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, overall production fell by 10.4%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 3.6%.

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

Exports melons and papayas to Turkey

Exports in kind, t

Turkey's exports of melons and papayas increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country exported 83,465 tonnes, showing a solid growth of 17.6% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 159.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 37.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports to Turkey in kind, 2017-2020, t

An analysis of Turkey's melons and papayas exports in volume terms from 2017 to 2020 reveals a broad distribution across numerous markets. Germany accounted for 12.3% of exports, Georgia for 12.0%, and Syria for 9.2%, together making up only 33.5% of total flows. The remaining 66.5% was distributed among other trading partners.

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

World map of product's exports to Turkey in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited significant volatility during these years. Turkey's melons and papayas export value reached a low in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a 2.4-fold difference between these extremes. In 2020, exports totaled 28,571 thousand US dollars, representing a steep increase of 57.5% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 21.8%, while the most substantial growth was recorded in 2018, at 91.4%.

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

An analysis of Turkey's melons and papayas exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 shows a wide distribution across many markets. Germany contributed 14.7% of export value, Romania 11.8%, and Poland 9.2%, together accounting for just 35.8% of total flows. The remaining 64.2% came from other partners.

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

World map of product's exports to Turkey in value, 2017-2020

Imports melons and papayas in Turkey

Imports in kind, t

The import market for melons and papayas in Turkey was marked by volatility during these years. Imports reached their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2019, with a 2.7-fold gap between these years. In 2020, Turkey imported 33,307 tonnes, reflecting a sharp contraction of 62.3% year-over-year. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 88,264 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 80.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey's imports of melons and papayas in volume terms were heavily concentrated on Iran, which accounted for 93.1% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year upward trend, Turkey's imports of melons and papayas in value terms declined. In 2020, imports stood at 4,915 thousand US dollars, which is 26.8% less than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 19%, equivalent to an annualized decline rate of 6.8%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 6,719 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase also occurring in 2019, at 5.6%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Turkey's imports of melons and papayas in value terms were dominated by Iran, which held a 64.6% share, Sudan at 14.2%, and Afghanistan at 9.8%. Together, these three countries accounted for 88.6% of total import flows.

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

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