Melons market in New Zealand, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

New Zealand's melon market volume remained around 6 100–6 200 t annually in 2018–2019, then contracted sharply to approximately 3 500 t in 2020–2022 following a steep fall in imports, with market value mirroring this trend albeit with a less pronounced drop in 2020.

From 2023, market volume rebounded to 5 000 t, influenced by weather-related supply challenges and price pressures that affected fresh produce availability. Growing consumer focus on health, sustainability, and value, reinforced by marketing campaigns, sustained demand into 2024. The 2025 introduction of a new melon variety suited to local conditions expanded the domestic offering, while biosecurity delays for watermelon imports tightened supply, and promotional retail strategies further shaped the market.

Production melons in New Zealand

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of melons, 2018-2021

World map of production of melons, 2018-2021

In 2019, New Zealand's melon production reached its lowest point at 3 374 tonnes. The following year, 2020, saw production peak at 3 502 tonnes, representing a significant 3.8% increase. However, in 2021, production declined slightly to 3 450 tonnes, marking a 1.5% decrease from the previous year. The most substantial decline occurred in 2019, when production fell by 2.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021, t

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

New Zealand's melon production value has grown for the second consecutive year. In 2019, production value hit its minimum at 15 695 thousand US dollars, with a slight decline of 1.1%. The following year, 2020, saw a substantial 19.1% increase. By 2021, production value reached 19 809 thousand US dollars, showing a 5.9% advance from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production value increased by 24.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in New Zealand in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Exports melons from New Zealand

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, New Zealand's melon exports reached their lowest point at 184 tonnes, marking a sharp 40.4% decline. The previous year, 2019, saw exports peak at 308 tonnes with a 41.2% increase. In 2021, exports rebounded to 206 tonnes, showing a robust 11.9% year-over-year rise. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 5.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, New Zealand's melon exports in kind were primarily directed towards the United States and French Polynesia. Together, these two destinations accounted for 81.1% of total export flows, while other markets played a more minor role.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, New Zealand's melon export value reached its minimum at 981 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 31.6% decline. The previous year, 2019, saw export value peak at 1 433 thousand US dollars with a 43.8% increase. In 2021, export value rose to 1 180 thousand US dollars, constituting a 20.3% gain over the past year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, export value increased by 18.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from New Zealand in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, the United States was the dominant destination for New Zealand's melon exports in value terms, absorbing 79.3% of total exports. The remaining exports were distributed across a wide range of smaller markets.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from New Zealand in value, 2018-2021

Imports melons to New Zealand

Imports in kind, t

New Zealand's melon imports showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. In 2020, imports bottomed at 39 tonnes, marking a dramatic 98.7% decline. The previous year, 2019, saw imports peak at 3 078 tonnes. In 2021, imports surged to 621 tonnes, reflecting a dramatic 1,497.3% uptick from 2020. The difference between the peak in 2019 and the low in 2020 was substantial, with a 79-fold variation.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Australia remained the overwhelmingly dominant supplier of melons to New Zealand, accounting for 99.2% of total imports in kind.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

New Zealand's melon import value exhibited an unstable trend throughout this timeframe. In 2020, import value reached its minimum at 61 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 98.8% decline. The previous year, 2019, saw import value peak at 4 989 thousand US dollars. In 2021, import value totalled 1 542 thousand US dollars, showing a steep 2,419.8% improvement compared to the previous year. Import levels fluctuated significantly, with an 82-fold difference between the high in 2019 and the low in 2020.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to New Zealand in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, melon imports to New Zealand were supplied almost exclusively by Australia, which absorbed 99.3% of total imports in value terms.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to New Zealand in value, 2018-2021