Watermelons and melons market in France

Earlier Report Observations

The French watermelon and melon market expanded from 547 тыс. т in 2018 to 632 тыс. т in 2020. This growth was supported by a near doubling of the watermelon consumer base compared to 2007-2009, attracting younger and family-oriented buyers and encouraging producers to start cultivating watermelons domestically. Concurrently, melon overproduction led to lower prices for growers, while price wars among large retailers gradually reduced melon cultivation areas over the preceding decade. The rise of labels like 'Label Rouge' or IGP for melons and growing interest in organic products further valorized the 'made in France' trend. By 2019, watermelons gained a larger share in the average household fruit basket, reflecting a sustained shift in consumer preferences.

Market volume slightly contracted to 617 тыс. т in 2021 before stabilizing in 2022. The latter year saw a sharp 31% increase in domestic melon production, driven by high temperatures in May and June, particularly in the Southeast. However, this abundant national output, coinciding with imported melons, created a surplus that depressed prices. Unfavorable weather also promoted field diseases and reduced fruit set for early-season plants. Meanwhile, production costs rose significantly due to a general increase in agricultural input prices. Varietal trials for watermelons like Piel de Sapo and the promotion of high-performing hybrids such as PEPITA F1 and NIKAS F1 aimed to better adapt offerings to the French market.

In 2023, the market grew to 632 тыс. т. The price of watermelons fell between June 2022 and June 2023, contrasting with the broader trend of rising fruit prices. Household purchases of fruits and vegetables declined in volume but increased in expenditure due to higher average prices, with watermelon purchases notably rising between 2016 and 2021. Adverse weather in northern France reduced melon consumption, while the ample domestic supply continued to face absorption challenges.

Production watermelons and melons in France

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of watermelons and melons, 2017-2020

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

After two years of decline, France's production of watermelons and melons rebounded in 2020. That year, the country produced 315.4 thousand tonnes, representing a 21.0% increase compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 3.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.2%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 260.7 thousand tonnes, while the sharpest decline occurred in 2018 with a 10.3% drop.

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

Exports watermelons and melons from France

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, France exported 88.3 thousand tonnes of watermelons and melons, which was 12.9% higher than in 2019. Over the four-year span from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 26.3%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 8.1%. The peak export volume was reached in 2018 at 118.2 thousand tonnes. The most significant decline happened in 2019 with a 33.8% decrease, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 69.1% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Switzerland, Belgium, and Germany formed the core of France's watermelon and melon exports by volume. Switzerland accounted for 23.6% of exports, Belgium for 18.2%, and Germany for 15.3%. Together, these three countries represented 57.1% of total export flows during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, France's watermelon and melon exports reached 104.5 million US dollars, showing a strong year-over-year increase of 23.2%. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 22.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 84.8 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 9.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Switzerland, Belgium, and Italy were the primary buyers of French watermelons and melons by value. Switzerland accounted for 28.4% of export value, Belgium for 23.5%, and Italy for 13.1%. Collectively, these three markets represented 64.9% of France's total export value in this category.

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

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

Imports watermelons and melons to France

Imports in kind, K t

France's imports of watermelons and melons grew for the third consecutive year in 2020, reaching 404.5 thousand tonnes. This marked a slight increase of 0.6% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import volume increased by 9.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.2%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Spain and Morocco were the dominant sources for France's watermelon and melon imports by volume, together accounting for 90.0% of total import flows. Other trading partners each held significantly smaller shares.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, France imported watermelons and melons worth 390.6 million US dollars, representing a 19.0% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value grew by 25.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.0%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 4.2% decrease.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain and Morocco clearly dominated France's watermelon and melon imports by value, jointly accounting for 91.3% of total import flows. Other countries held much smaller shares during this period.

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

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