Watermelons and melons market in Algeria

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Algerian watermelon and melon market grew steadily, with domestic production increasing from 2 096 thousand tons to 2 287 thousand tons. This upward trend reversed in 2021 when the market volume dropped to 2 075 thousand tons. The decline was primarily driven by a shift in agricultural land use, as increased cereal cultivation reduced the area available for watermelon and melon production.

Market volume stabilized around 2 076 thousand tons in 2022. A significant factor was a widespread cholera scare, which severely dampened consumer demand and sales, offsetting the effects of overproduction that had caused a sharp fall in prices for farmers.

A strong recovery followed in 2023, with market volume jumping to 2 489 thousand tons. This growth was fueled by the rapid expansion of exports to France, facilitated by a new air freight partnership with Air Algérie Cargo, and by the modernization of domestic wholesale distribution networks which improved market efficiency and access.

Production watermelons and melons in Algeria

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Globally, Algeria ranked as the 8th largest producer of watermelons and melons from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of watermelons and melons, 2017-2020

World map of production of watermelons and melons, 2017-2020

Algeria's production of watermelons and melons grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 2 287 thousand tonnes, marking a modest increase of 3.6% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 20.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.5%.

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

Exports watermelons and melons from Algeria

Exports in kind, t

The market showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2020 at 96.8 tonnes, a sharp decline of 71.2% from 2019. The peak was recorded in 2018 at 372.8 tonnes, representing the largest annual increase of 33.8%. Overall, export levels varied by 3.9 times between the high in 2018 and the low in 2020.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, and France were the key export destinations for watermelons and melons in volume terms. Spain accounted for 32.5% of exports, the UAE for 27.8%, and France for 18.7%. Together, these three countries made up 79.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited significant volatility during these years. In 2020, Algeria's watermelon and melon exports in value terms stood at 36.4 thousand US dollars, a substantial decrease of 85.6% year-on-year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 255.1 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 138.1%. Overall, export values fluctuated by 7 times between the peak in 2018 and the trough in 2020.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, and France were the leading destinations for Algeria's watermelon and melon exports in value terms. Spain held a 38.9% share, the UAE 19.3%, and France 16.5%. Combined, these three countries represented 74.7% of total export value.

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

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

Imports watermelons and melons to Algeria

Imports in kind, t

The data indicates irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. Imports hit their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2019, with a 17-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Algeria's watermelon and melon imports were recorded at 1.4 tonnes, a slight reduction of 8.3% compared to the previous year. The maximum volume was in 2019 at 1.5 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 1 621.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey and Brazil dominated Algeria's watermelon and melon imports in volume terms. Turkey accounted for 52.3% of total imports, while Brazil made up 31.0%. Together, these two countries represented 83.3% of import flows, with other partners contributing the remainder.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2019, with a 46-fold variation between these years. In 2020, Algeria's watermelon and melon imports in value terms amounted to 1.2 thousand US dollars, a decline of 66.8% from the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 3.6 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 4 465.8%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Turkey was the dominant source for Algeria's watermelon and melon imports in value terms, accounting for 75.7% of the total. The remaining volume was distributed among various other countries, each with smaller individual shares.

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

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