Watermelons and melons market in Slovakia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the market volume for fresh watermelons and melons in Slovakia fluctuated, peaking at 46 323 t in 2021 after a drop to 31 619 t in 2020. In value terms, the market showed steady growth from 18.7 million USD in 2018 to 35.3 million USD in 2023, indicating rising prices or shifts in consumption patterns. Local production increased from 2 450 t in 2018 to 6 070 t in 2021 but then declined to 3 590 t by 2023.

Imports, which constitute the bulk of supply, varied significantly from 37 710 t in 2018 to a low of 28 500 t in 2020, followed by recovery to 44 727 t in 2023. These swings in import volumes contributed to the overall market volatility, while the consistent rise in market value suggests consumers were willing to pay more for these products over the period.

Recent factors highlighted for 2024 include a reduction in melon cultivation areas in Slovakia, driven by historically high agricultural land prices influenced by EU subsidy policies and legislative changes. Concurrently, growing consumer interest in high-quality local produce is shaping the market environment, potentially supporting value even as local production faces challenges.

Production watermelons and melons in Slovakia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of watermelons and melons, 2017-2020

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

Slovakia's production of watermelons and melons has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 4 530 tonnes, marking a 10.8% rise compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production grew by 3.5%, which translates to an average annual increase of 1.1%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 2 450 tonnes, representing a significant decline of 44.0% from the previous year. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest increase, with production jumping by 66.9%.

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

Exports watermelons and melons from Slovakia

Exports in kind, t

Slovakia's exports of watermelons and melons have risen for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 1 411 tonnes, showing a sharp increase of 66.8% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 118.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 29.8%. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 541 tonnes, which was a 16.1% decrease from the previous year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Czechia and Hungary together accounted for 85.0% of Slovakia's total exports of watermelons and melons in volume terms, with the remaining share distributed among smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Slovakia's exports of watermelons and melons in value terms have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 880 thousand US dollars, which is 31.1% higher than in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 123.8%, equating to an average annual rate of 30.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hungary and Czechia were the main buyers of watermelons and melons from Slovakia, together representing 86.8% of total exports in value terms, while other countries made up the rest.

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

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

Imports watermelons and melons to Slovakia

Imports in kind, t

Slovakia imported 28 500 tonnes of watermelons and melons in 2020, indicating a dramatic decline of 28.4% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 25.5%, with an average annual decline of 9.4%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 39 829 tonnes, which was a 5.6% increase from the previous year.

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

In the period 2017–2020, Germany (22.7% of imports in volume), Hungary (22.3% of imports in volume), and the United Kingdom (13.5% of imports in volume) together accounted for 58.5% of Slovakia's total imports of watermelons and melons, serving as the primary sources.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Slovakia's imports of watermelons and melons in value terms have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume stood at 20 915 thousand US dollars, which is 14.8% higher than in 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 32.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, imports of watermelons and melons to Slovakia in value terms were widely dispersed across partner countries. Germany (20.6% of imports in value), Spain (16.5% of imports in value), and the United Kingdom (12.3% of imports in value) together represented only 49.4% of total import flows.

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

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