Melons market in the United States

Earlier Report Observations

The U.S. melon market volume declined from 1 288 thousand tons in 2018 to 978 thousand tons in 2020, before a slight recovery to 990 thousand tons in 2021. Market value followed a similar trend, dropping to $653 million in 2020, then rising to $745 million in 2021. During this period, melon yield increased in 2020, indicating improved production efficiency despite the overall market contraction.

From 2022, the market expanded, reaching 1 080 thousand tons and $855 million in value. This growth was driven by the introduction of greenhouse-grown melons under the SolaraT brand by Pure Flavor, which enhanced product consistency and year-round availability. Rising consumer awareness of health benefits also boosted demand. In 2023, market volume dipped to 1 021 thousand tons, but value rose to $886 million as melons became the fastest-growing produce segment. Strong seasonal demand, particularly in summer, and a consumer shift toward mini and seedless varieties supported higher prices, although environmental factors like unseasonable weather impacted production volumes and supply chain stability.

By 2024, key trends included peak seasonal sales from April to September, with over half of melon sales occurring on promotion. Health, sustainability, and convenience remained central, fueling demand for pre-packaged and ready-to-eat melon products. Continued innovation in product offerings, such as new melon varieties and prepared meals, further shaped market dynamics.

Production melons in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States ranked as the world's sixth-largest producer of melons.

Top producers of melons, 2017-2020

World map of production of melons, 2017-2020

Melon production in the United States fell for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 608.5 thousand tonnes of melons, marking a 3.5% year-over-year decline. Over the 2017-2020 period, production dropped by 28.5%, with an average annual decrease of 10.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of melon production in the United States declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 434.6 million US dollars, reflecting a modest 5.3% decrease compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value fell by 17.5%, with an average annual decline of 6.2%. The peak value occurred in 2018 at 564.5 million US dollars, while the largest drop was in 2019 at 18.7%, and the biggest increase was in 2018 at 7.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports melons from the United States

Exports in kind, K t

Melon exports from the United States decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 142.8 thousand tonnes, showing a sharp 15.6% decline from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 32.5%, with an average annual reduction of 12.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Canada was the leading destination for US melon exports in volume terms, accounting for 79.1% of total flows, while other markets held relatively smaller shares.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of melon exports from the United States dropped for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 102.0 million US dollars, representing a significant 17.1% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export value declined by 22.1%, with an average annual fall of 8.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 137.5 million US dollars, and the largest increase occurred that same year at 5.0%.

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

During 2017-2020, Canada dominated US melon exports in value terms, making up 77.9% of total flows, with the remainder spread across several smaller markets.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020

Imports melons to the United States

Imports in kind, K t

Melon imports into the United States fell for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 512.7 thousand tonnes, down 13.2% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 23.7%, equating to an average annual decline of 8.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico were the primary sources for US melon imports in volume terms, with shares of 50.5%, 25.5%, and 16.6%, respectively. Together, these three countries accounted for 92.6% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

The value of melon imports into the United States declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 320.1 million US dollars, indicating a substantial 16.9% drop from the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value fell by 27.1%, with an average annual decrease of 10.0%.

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

In 2017-2020, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico were the key markets for US melon imports in value terms, with shares of 48.4%, 27.3%, and 18.2%, respectively. Collectively, they represented 93.9% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020