Watermelons and melons market in Guatemala

Earlier Report Observations

The domestic market volume for watermelons and melons in Guatemala experienced significant volatility from 2018 to 2023. After rising to 414.9 thousand tons in 2019, consumption contracted in 2020. This decline was partly linked to a 2018 sanitary incident that continued to affect consumer confidence in melon safety, prompting industry programs to rebuild trust. The market rebounded strongly to 449.2 thousand tons in 2021, driven by product innovations such as the introduction of organic yellow watermelon by a company in Zacapa and its distribution alliance with Walmart, which improved domestic availability and variety.

A sharp market drop to 303.5 thousand tons occurred in 2022 as Guatemala solidified its role as a leading global exporter of fresh melons. Strong international demand and high prices directed a larger share of production abroad, reducing domestic supply. The completion of a new packing plant in Champerico that year strengthened the export supply chain. Market volume recovered to 346.0 thousand tons in 2023, supported by growing consumer preference for specialized products like seedless mini-watermelons and high-quality melons, alongside continued varietal improvements and local production innovations.

Production watermelons and melons in Guatemala

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Guatemala ranked as the 20th largest producer of watermelons and melons globally, establishing itself among the world's leading producers in this category.

Top producers of watermelons and melons, 2017-2020

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

Guatemala's production of watermelons and melons grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 845.3 thousand tons, marking a 3.2% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 13.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.4%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of growth, Guatemala's production value for watermelons and melons declined. In 2020, the output was valued at 296.7 million US dollars, down 5.2% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 13.6%, translating to an annualized rate of 4.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 313.0 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 16.4% occurring that same year.

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

Exports watermelons and melons from Guatemala

Exports in kind, K t

Following a two-year decline, Guatemala's exports of watermelons and melons increased. In 2020, exports reached 456.5 thousand tons, up 12.5% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 4.4%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 1.5%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 405.8 thousand tons, with the largest decline of 12.9% also occurring in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Guatemala's export structure for watermelons and melons was highly concentrated, with the United States alone accounting for 90.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After a two-year drop, Guatemala's exports of watermelons and melons in value terms increased. In 2020, exports amounted to 160.2 million US dollars, rising 3.4% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 4.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.6%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 155.0 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 5.6% also in 2019.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the United States was the key partner for Guatemala's exports in value terms, representing 97.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports watermelons and melons to Guatemala

Imports in kind, K t

Guatemala's imports of watermelons and melons declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled approximately 1.1 thousand tons, a 1.2% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 27.1%, with an annualized rate of decline of 10.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Honduras remained the leading supplier of watermelons and melons to Guatemala, accounting for 86.1% of total imports in kind, while the remainder was distributed among many other countries.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2017, with a 7.2-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports of watermelons and melons to Guatemala amounted to 0.1 million US dollars, reflecting a sharp increase of 87.4% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 0.0 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 68.7% also occurring in 2019.

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

In 2017-2020, Honduras (41.8% of imports in value terms), the United States (20.1%), and Belgium (14.2%) accounted for the largest share of Guatemala's imports in value terms, together comprising 76.1% of total flows.

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

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