Melons market in Greece

Earlier Report Observations

Greek melon production reached 74 730 t in 2018, but market volume fell over the next two years to 57 941 t in 2020. The decline aligned with changed consumer priorities during the COVID-19 pandemic, which heightened focus on the quality and affordability of fresh produce.

Production rebounded to 68 460 t in 2021, then faced sustained inflationary pressures that raised costs across the supply chain in 2022 and 2023. The introduction of new melon varieties and improved cultivation techniques helped stabilize domestic output at 65 430 t in 2023, keeping market volume steady near 60 500 t.

Production melons in Greece

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of melons, 2017-2020

World map of production of melons, 2017-2020

Greece's melon production has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 65.1 thousand tonnes of melons, which represents a 1.8% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 28.3%, with an average annual decline of 10.5%.

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

Exports melons from Greece

Exports in kind, t

Greece's melon exports have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export volume reached 7 824 tonnes, which is 33.0% higher than in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 68.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 18.9%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 4 231 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 9.1%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase of 39.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Bulgaria was the primary destination for Greece's melon exports in volume terms, accounting for 78.4% of total flows. Other markets contributed smaller shares, forming a long tail of minor partners.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited significant volatility during these years. Greece's melon export value reached its lowest point in 2018 at 847 thousand US dollars, then peaked in 2020 at 3 041 thousand US dollars, showing a steep gain of 160.9% compared to the previous year. The difference between these years was a substantial 3.6-fold increase. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 20.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria, Romania, and Germany were the top buyers of Greek melons in value terms. Bulgaria accounted for 57.7% of exports, Romania for 21.9%, and Germany for 4.3%. Together, these three markets represented 83.8% of total export value.

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

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

Imports melons to Greece

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Greece's melon imports declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 664 tonnes, marking a sharp drop of 36.6% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 30.5%, with an average annual decline of 11.4%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 048 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 7.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany and the Netherlands were the main sources for Greece's melon imports in volume terms, jointly accounting for 85.6% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among other partners.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year uptick, Greece's melon imports in value terms declined. In 2020, imports reached 853 thousand US dollars, representing a decrease of 36.2% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 20.2%, equating to an average annual decline of 7.3%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 1 337 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 16.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany and the Netherlands together absorbed 85.2% of the total value of melon imports to Greece. The rest of the imports were spread across smaller markets.

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

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