Watermelons and melons market in Europe

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the European watermelon and melon market volume remained relatively stable at around 9.4 million tons, dipping to 9.2 million tons in 2020. During this period, consumer preferences increasingly shifted towards seedless and mini watermelon varieties, driving the introduction and marketing of new types to cater to smaller households and demand for convenience.

Market volume then contracted to 7.9 million tons by 2023. This decline was primarily driven by supply constraints. Extreme weather events, including hailstorms in Spain and drought, significantly reduced cultivation areas and yields from 2021 onward. In 2022, additional pressures from water restrictions and sharply rising production costs further limited availability, leading to record-high prices despite sustained demand.

Throughout the period, product innovation continued to shape the market. The launch and growing popularity of seedless white and black watermelons and mini formats met evolving consumer tastes. Major players like Grupo Agroponiente outlined plans to significantly increase production of these specialty varieties, aiming to align output with the demand for branded and premium segments.

Production watermelons and melons in Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of watermelons and melons, 2017-2020

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

Europe's production of watermelons and melons has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the continent produced 7 365 thousand tons, marking a 4.7% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production fell by 4.3%, with an average annual decline of 1.5%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 8 133 thousand tons, which saw a 5.6% increase. The largest drop occurred in 2019, with a 5.0% reduction.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of watermelon and melon production in Europe was 10 477 million US dollars, representing an 8.0% decrease from the year before. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value declined by 6.4%, translating to an average annual decrease of 2.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 9 546 million US dollars, which experienced a 14.7% decline. The highest value occurred in 2019 at 11 394 million US dollars, showing a 19.4% increase.

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

Exports watermelons and melons from Europe

Exports in kind, K t

Europe exported 1 118 thousand tons of watermelons and melons in 2020, an 11.1% increase compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 24.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.5%. The peak export volume was in 2018 at 1 365 thousand tons, which saw a 51.7% surge. The largest decline happened in 2019, with a 26.3% drop.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Switzerland and Norway were key players in Europe's watermelon and melon exports, together accounting for 3.6% of total export volumes.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Europe's watermelon and melon exports were valued at 1 590 million US dollars, up 7.2% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 21.6%, averaging 6.7% growth per year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 602 million US dollars, which experienced a 22.5% increase. The largest decrease occurred in 2019, with a 7.4% decline.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Switzerland and Norway were the main destinations for Europe's watermelon and melon exports in value terms, together making up 5.5% of total export value.

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

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

Imports watermelons and melons to Europe

Imports in kind, K t

Europe's imports of watermelons and melons have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 2 947 thousand tons, a 7.1% rise compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import volumes grew by 43.6%, with an average annual increase of 12.8%.

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

During 2017-2020, Europe's watermelon and melon imports in volume terms were spread across many markets. Brazil, with 11.6% of imports, Morocco at 8.0%, and Costa Rica with 4.1%, together accounted for just 23.7% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Europe's watermelon and melon imports were valued at 2 365 million US dollars, a 7.7% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value rose by 17.6%, averaging 5.6% growth per year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 2 381 million US dollars, which saw an 18.4% increase. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 7.7% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Europe's watermelon and melon import partners in value terms were quite diverse. Brazil, with 13.6% of imports, Morocco at 9.2%, and Costa Rica with 5.3%, together represented only 28.1% of total import value.

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

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