Melons market in Saudi Arabia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh melons in Saudi Arabia experienced substantial growth from 2018 to 2022, with volume expanding from 44 127 t to 92 572 t. This doubling of market size was accompanied by rising domestic production and increased imports over the five-year period.

A notable contraction occurred in 2023, when market volume fell by 22% to 72 129 t, interrupting the previous upward trajectory. The decline marked a significant shift in the market's recent trend.

The broader agricultural landscape in Saudi Arabia during these years was shaped by government policies targeting food security and self-sufficiency in key crops. The adoption of controlled environment agriculture allowed for more consistent, year-round production. Technological advancements also entered the market, exemplified by companies like FarmERP introducing cloud-based farm management platforms through local partnerships. Concurrently, consumer preferences increasingly favored fresh produce, supported by e-commerce platforms such as Kharaaj that ensured quality delivery with proper cooling options.

Production melons in Saudi Arabia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of melons, 2017-2020

World map of production of melons, 2017-2020

Saudi Arabia's melon production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 48 219 tonnes of melons, marking a 7.3% year-over-year growth. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.3%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 39 360 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 12.6%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 14.2% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Saudi Arabia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports melons from Saudi Arabia

Exports in kind, t

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their highest point in 2017 and their lowest in 2020, with a 23-fold difference between these years. In 2020, melon deliveries from Saudi Arabia totaled 26 tonnes, representing a significant 92.5% year-over-year drop. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, with a surge of 233.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait were the main destinations for Saudi Arabian melon exports, accounting for 82.4% of total exports in kind. Specifically, Egypt contributed 34.2%, the United Arab Emirates 27.1%, and Kuwait 21.1%.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Export volumes peaked in 2017 and bottomed out in 2020, varying by 42 times. In 2020, melon exports from Saudi Arabia amounted to 32 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp 89.0% decrease compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 92.0%, while the largest increase was in 2019, with a 167.8% rise.

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

Over the 2017–2020 period, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Kuwait led as the top buyers of Saudi Arabian melons in value terms, collectively representing 86.3% of total exports. The United Arab Emirates accounted for 54.4%, Egypt for 19.3%, and Kuwait for 12.5%.

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

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

Imports melons to Saudi Arabia

Imports in kind, t

The data indicates irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Imports peaked in 2020 and reached their lowest point in 2018, with a 5.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, melon imports into Saudi Arabia totaled 24 643 tonnes, showing a 91.1% increase from 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 4 871 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 29.4%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 164.7% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Jordan, Egypt, and India were the principal suppliers of melons to Saudi Arabia, jointly accounting for 77.6% of total imports in kind. Jordan led with 63.4%, followed by Egypt at 7.5% and India at 6.7%.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Import volumes reached their highest in 2019 and their lowest in 2017, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 2.6 times. In 2020, imported melon volumes in Saudi Arabia amounted to 11 818 thousand US dollars, equivalent to a modest 4.9% reduction compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 12 422 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 135.3%.

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

In the 2017–2020 period, Jordan, India, and Egypt continued to head the list of suppliers of melons to Saudi Arabia in value terms, jointly taking 69.5% of total imports. Jordan accounted for 54.8%, India for 7.6%, and Egypt for 7.1%.

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

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