Watermelons and melons market in Polynesia

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the market for fresh watermelons and melons in Polynesia reached 2 378 t. The following year, the market volume fell sharply to 1 539 t, a decline that coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting the watermelon season and a significant surge in watermelon exports from the region to Europe, which reduced domestic availability. Market volume then stabilized at around 1 503 t in 2020.

Growth resumed in 2021 as the market expanded to 1 968 t. This recovery was partly driven by cold and rainy weather in Europe, which reduced watermelon exports from that continent and may have increased demand for produce from other sources, including Polynesia. The upward trend continued in 2022, with the market volume rising further to 2 329 t.

In 2023, the market contracted to 1 720 t. During this period, the development and promotion of seedless watermelon varieties and mini-watermelons began shifting consumer preferences. By 2024, persistent challenges such as drought in Morocco and unfavorable weather across key European producing regions were affecting global production and consumption patterns, with a noted increase in demand for miniature and seedless varieties.

Production watermelons and melons in Polynesia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of watermelons and melons, 2017-2020

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

Polynesia's production of watermelons and melons has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 1,751 tonnes, which represents a 4.1% decrease compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production fell by 17.6%, with an average annual decline of 6.3%.

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

Exports watermelons and melons from Polynesia

Exports in kind, t

The market showed significant volatility during these years. Import levels varied dramatically, with a 36-fold difference between the low of 18.9 tonnes in 2018 and the high of 675.8 tonnes in 2020. In 2020, Polynesia exported 675.8 tonnes of watermelons and melons, marking a 4.1% increase from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, dropping by 96.2%, while the biggest surge was in 2019, with a remarkable 3,343.4% increase.

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

From 2017 to 2020, New Zealand remained the top buyer of Polynesia's watermelons and melons, accounting for 73.1% of total exports by volume. The remaining share was distributed among various other countries.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 20.5 thousand US dollars and peaked in 2019 at 305.4 thousand US dollars, a difference of 14.9 times. In 2020, cross-border shipments of watermelons and melons from Polynesia totaled 301.1 thousand US dollars, down 1.4% from the previous year. The largest decline was in 2018, falling by 92.3%, while the biggest increase was in 2019, soaring by 1,387.7%.

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

During 2017–2020, New Zealand dominated the export market in value terms, capturing 71.4% of total flows. Other countries combined accounted for the remaining share.

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

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

Imports watermelons and melons to Polynesia

Imports in kind, t

Polynesia's imports of watermelons and melons have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 427.9 tonnes, reflecting an 18.4% rise compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 60.6%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 17.1%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, the three largest markets for imports by volume were the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, together making up 80.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, Polynesia's imports of watermelons and melons declined. In 2020, the region imported 497.5 thousand US dollars worth of these products, a decrease of 7.6% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 5.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 538.1 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2018, rising by 13.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main markets for imports in value terms were the United States (58.6% of imports), Australia (18.8%), and New Zealand (13.4%). Together, these three countries accounted for 90.8% of total flows.

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

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