Watermelons and melons market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

The market for watermelons and melons in the MENA region experienced a gradual contraction from 2018 to 2020, with volume declining from 10.7 million tons to 10.0 million tons. This trend reversed in 2021, as market size grew to 10.5 million tons. This recovery coincided with a strategic agreement between the Indian agri-tech company KissanPro and Dubai's Barakat Vegetables & Fruit Co., which was established to facilitate the supply of agricultural produce to the Middle East, potentially improving market access.

Following the 2021 rebound, the market volume declined again to 9.9 million tons in 2022 and fell sharply to 9.0 million tons in 2023. During this period, specific factors such as reported spikes in demand for watermelons in Saudi Arabia due to high temperatures and a regional expansion of e-commerce did not offset the overall downward trajectory in total regional consumption.

Throughout the period, broader market developments included a noticeable shift in consumer preferences towards local culinary experiences and sustainable products. Furthermore, significant government investments in integrated agricultural projects in Egypt and the entry of foreign companies like Malaysia's FGV into the regional market indicated ongoing efforts to reshape the sector's foundations.

Production watermelons and melons in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of watermelons and melons, 2017-2020

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

Watermelon and melon production in the MENA region has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 10 420 thousand tons, marking a 0.7% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 4.5%, with an average annual decline of 1.5%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Watermelon and melon production in the MENA region has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 12 473 million US dollars, representing a 4.6% decrease from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production value dropped by 19.2%, equating to an average annual decline of 6.9%.

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

Exports watermelons and melons from MENA

Exports in kind, K t

Watermelon and melon exports from the MENA region have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 781.9 thousand tons, up 1.4% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 26.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.2%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 467.1 thousand tons, which represented a 24.2% decline from the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with exports surging by 65.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, watermelon and melon exports from MENA were distributed across numerous partner countries. France accounted for 8.0% of exports, Spain for 5.8%, and Turkey for 4.6%. Together, these three countries represented just 18.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

MENA's watermelon and melon exports reached 485.3 million US dollars in 2020, representing a 7.7% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 28.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.6%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 6.3% decrease, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018, with a 27.0% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the geographical structure of MENA's watermelon and melon exports in value terms was highly diversified. France accounted for 20.1% of export value, Spain for 11.2%, and Turkey for 2.8%. Together, these three countries represented only 34.1% of total flows, while the remaining 65.9% was distributed among numerous smaller partner countries.

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

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

Imports watermelons and melons to MENA

Imports in kind, K t

Watermelon and melon imports into the MENA region have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 352.4 thousand tons, representing a 2.6% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 2.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.7%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 352.4 thousand tons, which represented a 9.0% decline from the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with imports rising by 9.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, India, Turkey, and Australia consistently held leading positions in MENA's watermelon and melon import structure. India accounted for 4.6% of imports, Turkey for 1.1%, and Australia for 0.8%. Together, these three countries represented just 6.6% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Following two years of growth, MENA's watermelon and melon imports declined in 2020. Import value stood at 263.3 million US dollars, reflecting a significant 15.5% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value fell by 2.7%, equating to an average annual decline of 0.9%. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 311.4 million US dollars, following a 7.5% increase in 2018.

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

During 2017-2020, watermelon and melon imports into MENA in value terms were distributed across a large number of markets. India accounted for 6.6% of import value, Australia for 5.2%, and Honduras for 1.9%. Together, these three countries represented only 13.7% of total import flows.

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

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