Melons market in Western Europe

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the melon market in Western Europe saw the introduction of new varieties like the Limelon melon by HillFresh, which expanded supply options prior to the main Spanish season. Concurrently, warmer and longer summers enabled successful melon cultivation in previously cooler climates, and year-round greenhouse production of cantaloupes improved overall availability, supporting a slight market volume increase to 627.6 thousand tons.

Market volume then contracted over the next two years, falling to 612.5 thousand tons in 2020 and further to 591.7 thousand tons in 2021.

A strong recovery followed in 2022, with volume jumping 11% to 657.6 thousand tons. This surge was primarily driven by an exceptionally hot summer that enhanced melon flavor and stimulated consumption, coupled with a rising consumer trend towards fresh, natural, and healthy products, including pre-cut melon offerings. Despite weather-related challenges in Spain that created an unstable 2023 season, market volume edged up to 662.1 thousand tons, partly supported by ongoing efforts to develop new, more resistant melon varieties.

Production melons in Western Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of melons, 2017-2020

World map of production of melons, 2017-2020

After two years of decline, melon production in Western Europe increased in 2020. The region produced 290.5 thousand tons of melons that year, marking a 17.3% increase from 2019. Production had reached its lowest point in 2019 at 247.6 thousand tons, following the largest decline of 11.3% in 2018.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of decrease, melon production value in Western Europe rose in 2020. The output was valued at 301.3 million US dollars, representing a 16.7% increase compared to 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 258.1 million US dollars, after the most significant decline of 10.9% occurred in 2018.

Annual dynamics of production in Western Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports melons from Western Europe

Exports in kind, K t

Western Europe's melon exports declined for the second consecutive year in 2020, totaling 226.3 thousand tons with a modest year-over-year decrease of 5.1%. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 8.3%, averaging an annual decline of 2.8%. The peak was in 2018 at 253.6 thousand tons, with the largest drop of 5.9% occurring in 2019 and the largest increase of 2.8% in 2018.

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

Analysis of export volumes from 2017 to 2020 reveals a broad distribution across many markets. Switzerland accounted for 7.8% of exports, Italy for 6.8%, and the United Kingdom for 6.6%, together making up only 21.2% of total flows. The remaining 78.8% was distributed among other trading partners.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Foreign melon supplies from Western Europe declined for the second year in a row in 2020, with exports valued at 234.6 million US dollars, showing a gradual decrease of 5.6% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 9.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 268.3 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 7.3% in 2019 and the largest increase of 3.2% in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of export values remained highly diversified. Switzerland represented 9.9% of exports, Italy 6.8%, and the United Kingdom 5.3%, together accounting for just 21.9% of total flows. The remaining 78.1% came from a wide range of smaller markets.

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

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

Imports melons to Western Europe

Imports in kind, K t

Western Europe's melon import volume declined for the second consecutive year in 2020, standing at 548.2 thousand tons with an 11.4% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 5.9%, averaging an annual decline of 2.0%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 621.1 thousand tons, with the largest increase of 6.6% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, Brazil, and Morocco were the primary suppliers of melons to Western Europe. Spain accounted for 45.5% of import volumes, Brazil for 18.1%, and Morocco for 7.9%, jointly representing 71.5% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, imported melon volumes in Western Europe were valued at 635.3 million US dollars, showing a slight gain of 2.8% compared to 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 618.2 million US dollars, while the peak was in 2018 at 678.5 million US dollars. The largest decline of 8.9% occurred in 2019, and the largest increase of 7.0% was in 2018.

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

During 2017-2020, Spain, Brazil, and Morocco continued to be the main suppliers of melons to Western Europe in value terms. Spain accounted for 42.9% of import values, Brazil for 16.0%, and Morocco for 9.5%, together forming 68.4% of total imports in value terms.

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

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