Watermelons and melons market in Brazil

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the domestic market volume for watermelons and melons in Brazil declined as production increases were outpaced by rising exports. The launch of new export-oriented varieties, such as Sakata's 'Dalí' melon, and significant investment in cold storage infrastructure by major players like Agrícola Famosa facilitated growing shipments to international markets. Additionally, the anticipation of market access to China, though officially granted later, encouraged export-focused production expansions in the Northeast region.

Between 2021 and 2022, the market contraction continued, driven by a water crisis in key producing states like Rio Grande do Norte and Ceará, which reduced yields, and the official opening of the Chinese market for melons which further incentivized exports. New regulations from ANTT that raised domestic freight costs made overseas sales more attractive for producers, while the introduction of premium varieties like 'Pele de Sapo' and 'Orange Candy' aimed to capture higher-value export segments.

In 2023, the domestic market volume stabilized at around 2 308 thousand tons, while its value rose sharply to 1 777 million US dollars. This shift was supported by improved growing conditions from La Niña rains, which lowered production costs, and strong European demand resulting from poor harvests in Spain. The continued strategy of launching differentiated hybrids, such as the seedless 'Estona' watermelon, and the expansion of leading exporter Agrícola Famosa's capacity helped sustain export momentum and market value growth.

Production watermelons and melons in Brazil

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Brazil ranked as the world's fourth-largest producer of watermelons and melons.

Top producers of watermelons and melons, 2018-2021

World map of production of watermelons and melons, 2018-2021

Brazil's production of watermelons and melons fell for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 2 749 thousand tonnes, marking a 2.5% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production dropped by 2.7%, with an average annual decline of 0.9%. The highest output was recorded in 2019 at 2 882 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 2.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, K t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Following two years of decline, Brazil's production value for watermelons and melons rose in 2021. That year, output was valued at 1 593 million US dollars, reflecting a 1.1% increase from 2020. However, between 2018 and 2021, the overall production value decreased by 10.8%, translating to an average annual drop of 3.8%. The lowest value occurred in 2020 at 1 575 million US dollars, while the sharpest decline was in 2019 at 7.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Brazil in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports watermelons and melons from Brazil

Exports in kind, K t

In 2021, Brazil's exports of watermelons and melons reached 375.9 thousand tonnes, showing a steady 9.2% increase from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 41.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 12.3%. The largest annual increase was in 2019 at 33.7%, while the only decline occurred in 2020 at 3.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Spain dominated Brazil's exports of watermelons and melons in volume terms. The Netherlands accounted for 38.2% of exports, the United Kingdom for 28.2%, and Spain for 19.9%, together representing 86.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Brazil's exports of watermelons and melons were valued at 217.8 million US dollars in 2021, a 13.3% year-on-year increase. Between 2018 and 2021, export value rose by 29.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.1%. The largest annual increase was in 2019 at 21.7%, while the only decline was in 2020 at 5.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Brazil in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Throughout 2018-2021, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Spain were the key destinations for Brazil's watermelons and melons exports in value terms. The Netherlands held 36.7% of export value, the United Kingdom 30.6%, and Spain 21.0%, collectively making up 88.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports watermelons and melons to Brazil

According to market reports, Brazil did not import any watermelons or melons from 2018 to 2021.