Melons market in France

Earlier Report Observations

The French melon market volume grew from 372 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 428 thousand tonnes in 2023. This expansion was supported by climatic conditions, as warm summers repeatedly boosted both production and consumer demand. The market's growth in 2022 was directly aided by favorable weather that increased domestic output, while the official launch of the Label Rouge Centre-Ouest and the IGP for Cavaillon melon that same year strengthened quality standards and consumer appeal.

Market diversification progressed with the introduction of new varieties like Jaune Canari and Piel de Sapo by VOLTZ Maraîchage in 2022. The growth in 2023 was driven by increased production volumes, though this led to stock accumulation and a significant price correction of 20-29% as supply outpaced consumption. The expansion of direct sales channels and specialized growers provided a broader product range throughout the period.

By 2024, established quality labels continued to structure the market, ensuring precise specifications and maintaining consumer trust. Sales remained fluid under conditions of relatively low supply pressure, supporting stable pricing. The sector maintained its focus on the popular Charentais variety while navigating challenges from import competition and the ongoing need for varietal diversification.

Production melons in France

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

France ranked 17th globally in melon production from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of melons, 2017-2020

World map of production of melons, 2017-2020

After two years of decline, melon production in France rebounded in 2020. That year, France produced 290.5 thousand tons of melons, marking a 17.3% increase compared to 2019. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 247.6 thousand tons, while the largest annual decline occurred in 2018 at 11.0%.

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

Exports melons from France

Exports in kind, K t

France's melon exports declined for the second consecutive year in 2020, reaching 33.2 thousand tons—an 11.0% drop from the previous year. Over the 2017–2020 period, exports fell by 21.9%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 7.9%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2018 at 65.1 thousand tons. The sharpest decline occurred in 2019 at 42.6%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 52.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, Switzerland, and Italy were the key export partners for French melons in volume terms. Belgium accounted for 31.8% of exports, Switzerland for 31.2%, and Italy for 15.8%. Together, these three countries represented 78.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year reduction, France's melon exports in value terms increased in 2020. That year, exports totaled 59.6 million US dollars, a 1.4% rise compared to 2019. Over the 2017–2020 period, however, export value decreased by 12.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -4.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 58.8 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 12.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Switzerland, Belgium, and Italy remained the primary destinations for French melons in value terms. Switzerland accounted for 33.1% of export value, Belgium for 31.9%, and Italy for 15.3%. Collectively, these three partners represented 80.3% of total export value.

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

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

Imports melons to France

Imports in kind, K t

France's melon imports declined for the second year in a row in 2020, totaling 164.2 thousand tons—a moderate decrease of 6.1% from the previous year. Over the 2017–2020 period, import volume fell by 8.9%, with a CAGR of -3.1%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 182.0 thousand tons, which also saw the largest increase of 1.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain and Morocco were the main sources of melon imports to France in volume terms, jointly accounting for 92.3% of total import flows. Other partners made up the remaining share.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, France's melon imports in value terms reached 207.5 million US dollars, an 11.0% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017–2020 period, import value grew by 7.8%, with a CAGR of 2.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 187.0 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 5.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain and Morocco dominated France's melon imports in value terms, together accounting for 91.8% of total flows. Other destinations contributed smaller individual shares.

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

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