Watermelons and melons market in Georgia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh watermelons and melons in Georgia showed considerable volatility in volume between 2018 and 2023. It expanded sharply to 96 439 t in 2019, then entered a phase of gradual decline, culminating at 52 999 t in 2023.

Domestic production, the market's primary component, mirrored this pattern, peaking at 80 300 t in 2020 before a steady downturn accelerated to 40 400 t in 2023. Import volumes, which had contributed significantly to the 2019 surge, also contracted towards the end of the period.

By 2023, the total market volume had fallen to less than 55% of its 2019 peak, marking a substantial reduction in both local output and foreign supply.

Production watermelons and melons in Georgia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of watermelons and melons, 2017-2020

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

Georgia's production of watermelons and melons has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 80 300 tonnes, marking a 4.7% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 18.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.7%. The lowest output was recorded in 2018 at 57 400 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 15.6%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the biggest surge, with production jumping by 33.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Georgia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports watermelons and melons from Georgia

Exports in kind, t

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their highest point in 2018 at 1 129 tonnes, then dropped to their lowest in 2019 at just 5 tonnes—a staggering 227-fold difference. In 2020, Georgia's export volume rebounded to 361 tonnes, representing a dramatic increase of 7 160.4% from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 99.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Azerbaijan and Armenia were the dominant destinations for Georgia's watermelon and melon exports in volume terms, together accounting for 87.7% of total flows. Other markets contributed smaller individual shares.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Export values varied significantly, with a 19-fold difference between the peak in 2018 at 137 000 US dollars and the low in 2019 at 7 000 US dollars. In 2020, Georgia exported 116 000 US dollars worth of watermelons and melons, a sharp rise of 1 528.9% compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, dropping by 94.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the main destinations for Georgia's watermelon and melon exports in value terms were Azerbaijan, with 45.7% of the total, Armenia at 31.6%, and Russia with 17.7%. Together, these three countries accounted for 95.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports watermelons and melons to Georgia

Imports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations over the period. Imports peaked in 2019 at 19 744 tonnes and bottomed out in 2017, with a 4.2-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Georgia's import volume stood at 10 669 tonnes, indicating a 46.0% decrease year-on-year. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, surging by 250.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey was the dominant source for Georgia's watermelon and melon imports in volume terms, holding a 75.2% share of total flows. The remainder was fragmented across various other markets.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, suggesting a volatile market environment. Import values varied by 2.4 times, with the maximum in 2019 at 1 431 000 US dollars and the minimum in 2018 at 595 000 US dollars. In 2020, Georgia's import volume was 927 000 US dollars, down by 35.2% compared to the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2019, rising by 140.6%.

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

Over the 2017–2020 period, Turkey was the primary source for Georgia's watermelon and melon imports in value terms, accounting for 72.3% of total flows. Other markets formed a long tail of smaller partners.

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

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