Watermelons and melons market in SADC

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for watermelons and melons in the SADC region grew significantly from 182.9 thousand t in 2018 to 352.7 thousand t in 2023. Domestic production followed a similar trajectory, rising from 183.2 thousand t to 354.7 thousand t, with the market peaking at 353.8 thousand t in 2020 before experiencing minor fluctuations in the following years.

By 2024, the market environment was influenced by unfavorable climatic conditions in some producing regions, such as unusual cold and drought, which affected crop development and yields. Consumer preferences continued to evolve toward healthier options and diversified varieties, increasing demand for watermelon and specific melon types like Canari and Galia.

Regulatory changes in key export markets, including France's initially planned ban on plastic packaging for fresh produce and strengthened European labeling standards, introduced new requirements for origin, quality, and packaging. These factors, combined with competitive pressure from global producers and weather-driven price volatility in Europe, shaped trade and market conditions within SADC.

Production watermelons and melons in SADC

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of watermelons and melons, 2017-2020

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

SADC's production of watermelons and melons has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 355.1 thousand tons, marking a 25.1% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production surged by 92.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 24.5%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 183.2 thousand tons. That same year saw the smallest change, a slight decline of 0.5%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the most significant growth, with production jumping by 55.0%.

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

Exports watermelons and melons from SADC

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, SADC's exports of watermelons and melons declined. In 2020, export volume reached 4,150 tons, representing a sharp 43.6% drop from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 7.6%, with an average annual decrease of 2.6%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2019 at 7,357 tons, which also saw the largest increase of 29.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, SADC's exports of watermelons and melons were distributed across numerous countries. The United Kingdom accounted for 18.8% of exports, the Netherlands for 6.6%, and Kenya for 6.5%. Together, these three markets represented just 31.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

SADC's exports of watermelons and melons in value terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 3,985 thousand US dollars, a 56.1% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports dropped by 79%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 40.6%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Switzerland remained the primary markets for SADC's watermelon and melon exports in value terms. The United Kingdom accounted for 47.7% of exports, the Netherlands for 24.8%, and Switzerland for 2.3%. Collectively, these three countries represented 74.9% of total export value.

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

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

Imports watermelons and melons to SADC

Imports in kind, t

After two years of increase, SADC's imports of watermelons and melons in volume terms declined. In 2020, imports stood at 2,863 tons, a 54.8% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 34.8%, with an average annual decline of 13.3%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 6,337 tons. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with imports rising by 24.5%.

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

During 2017-2020, SADC's imports of watermelons and melons in volume terms came from a wide range of markets. Egypt accounted for 6.5% of imports, Special Categories for 2.8%, and Spain for 1.5%. Together, these three sources represented only 10.9% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Following two years of growth, SADC's imports of watermelons and melons in value terms declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 2,901 thousand US dollars, showing a 49.1% drop from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 38.6%, with an average annual decline of 15.0%. The peak import value was recorded in 2019 at 5,703 thousand US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with imports rising by 13.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt, Australia, and Spain played notable but not dominant roles as suppliers of watermelons and melons to SADC in value terms. Egypt accounted for 14.8% of imports, Australia for 4.7%, and Spain for 2.6%. Their combined share reached just 22.1% of total import value.

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

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