Melons market in Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The European melon market volume grew from 2.2 million tons in 2018 to 2.6 million tons in 2021, with a peak of 2.5 million tons in 2019, while the market value increased from $31.7 billion to $40.4 billion. In 2018, a Listeria outbreak and severe storms in Germany temporarily affected consumption and trade, but the market demonstrated resilience over the following years.

A sharp contraction occurred in 2022, with market volume falling 23% to 2.0 million tons. This decline was driven by a long-term reduction in melon cultivation area in France, a key producer, and intensified price competition from Moroccan and Spanish imports, which pressured local production. The market rebounded in 2023, rising 21% to 2.4 million tons, supported by a cyclical price crisis that lowered retail prices and sustained consumer demand for fresh, healthy produce.

Industry factors for 2024 point to ongoing challenges, including unfavorable spring weather reducing French harvests, continued price pressure from supermarket chains, and a diversification of melon varieties. Premium segments such as organic melons and those with Label Rouge or protected geographical indications remain important for market differentiation.

Production melons in Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of melons, 2017-2020

World map of production of melons, 2017-2020

In 2019, Europe's melon production reached its lowest point at 1 875 thousand tonnes. This was followed by a 2.9% decline from the previous year. However, production rebounded in 2020, increasing by 1.8% to 1 909 thousand tonnes. The peak production occurred in 2018 at 1 931 thousand tonnes, which represented a 2.1% increase from the year before.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Melon production in Europe has grown for two consecutive years. In 2020, the output was valued at 39 306 million US dollars, marking a 7.1% increase compared to 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 31 247 million US dollars, which saw a 4.1% decline. The following year, 2019, experienced the largest increase of 17.4%. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 20.6%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 6.5%.

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

Exports melons from Europe

Exports in kind, K t

The export market for melons from Europe showed significant volatility during the observed period. In 2018, exports peaked at 619.0 thousand tonnes, representing a substantial 93.4% increase. However, in 2019, exports plummeted by 51.3%, and by 2020, they reached 294.1 thousand tonnes, a further decline of 2.5% from the previous year. Overall, exports varied by 2.1-fold from the high in 2018 to the low in 2020.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Switzerland and Norway were the two main destinations for melon exports from Europe, together accounting for 4.7% of total export volume.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Melon exports from Europe declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 657 million US dollars, remaining nearly unchanged from 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 701 million US dollars, which saw a 9.8% increase. In 2019, exports fell by 5.9%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 2.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Switzerland and Norway contributed the most to melon export value from Europe, together representing 7.0% of total exports.

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

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

Imports melons to Europe

Imports in kind, K t

After rising for two years, melon import volumes into Europe declined. In 2020, imports stood at 876.1 thousand tonnes, a decrease of 6.0% compared to 2019. The peak was in 2019 at 931.7 thousand tonnes, following a significant 19.2% increase in 2018. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 15.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, melons were imported into Europe from many different markets. Even the largest suppliers—Brazil, Costa Rica, and Morocco—together accounted for only 33.7% of total import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Europe imported melons worth 1 072 million US dollars, showing little change from 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 070 million US dollars, which saw an 8.2% decline. The highest value occurred in 2018 at 1 166 million US dollars, with a 6.7% increase.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the import market for melons in Europe remained highly fragmented in value terms. Brazil accounted for 21.1% of imports, Morocco for 6.2%, and Costa Rica for 5.8%. Together, these three countries represented just 33.2% of total imports, with no single partner dominating the market.

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

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