Watermelons and melons market in Caribbean

Earlier Report Observations

The Caribbean market for watermelons and melons experienced strong growth from 2018 to 2023, with total volume rising from 580 thousand tons to 999 thousand tons—an increase of over 70%. This expansion was not uniform across the period, featuring a notable acceleration in the final two years.

After an initial rise to 624 thousand tons in 2019, market volume saw a slight dip of 3.2% in 2020 and stabilized near 609 thousand tons in 2021. The trend reversed sharply in 2022, with a 33% surge to 810 thousand tons, followed by another 23% jump to 999 thousand tons in 2023.

Domestic production followed a similar trajectory, increasing from 573 thousand tons to 995 thousand tons over the same span. Imports and exports remained at relatively low levels throughout the period, having a limited impact on the overall market size.

Production watermelons and melons in Caribbean

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of watermelons and melons, 2017-2020

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

Caribbean production of watermelons and melons declined after two years of growth. In 2020, output reached 598.3 thousand tonnes, marking a modest 3.4% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 4.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.6%. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 619.2 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 8.0%.

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

Exports watermelons and melons from Caribbean

Exports in kind, t

The export market demonstrated volatility during the observed period. Volumes reached their lowest point in 2018 at 682 tonnes, then surged to a peak of 1 827 tonnes in 2019, representing a 2.7-fold increase. In 2020, exports from the Caribbean fell sharply to 980 tonnes, a steep 46.4% decline year-on-year. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a dramatic 168.0% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, France, and Belgium consistently led as the top destinations for Caribbean watermelon and melon exports by volume. The United States accounted for 27.1% of exports, France for 22.8%, and Belgium for 2.7%. Together, these three countries represented 52.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, the value of Caribbean watermelon and melon exports dropped significantly to 1 348 thousand US dollars, a dramatic 51.6% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value fell by 47.7%, with an average annual decline of 19.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 2 787 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 10.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, the United States, and Belgium were the primary destinations for Caribbean watermelon and melon exports by value. France accounted for 41.3% of export value, the United States for 19.4%, and Belgium for 7.3%. Collectively, these three markets represented 68.1% of total export value.

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

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

Imports watermelons and melons to Caribbean

Imports in kind, t

Caribbean imports of watermelons and melons increased in 2020 after two years of decline. Import volume reached 6 801 tonnes, up 4.2% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 21.5%, with an average annual decline of 7.8%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 6 525 tonnes, while the largest annual decrease occurred in 2018 at 14.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Colombia, and Venezuela were the main sources of watermelon and melon imports to the Caribbean by volume. The United States accounted for 60.0% of imports, Colombia for 9.3%, and Venezuela for 8.7%. Together, these three countries represented 78.0% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of Caribbean watermelon and melon imports declined for the second consecutive year in 2020, dropping to 7 690 thousand US dollars, a substantial 19.9% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value fell by 23%, with an average annual decline of 8.3%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 10 317 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 3.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States dominated as the primary source for Caribbean watermelon and melon imports by value, accounting for 75.1% of total flows. Other markets collectively formed a long tail, with smaller shares.

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

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