Watermelons and melons market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market for watermelons and melons in South Africa saw its volume reach 92 732 т in 2018 and grow slightly to 93 991 т in 2019. A sharp contraction followed in 2020, pulling the market down to 73 293 т. Infrastructure development for fresh produce, such as the Fresh Produce Market project, faced delays in 2018, which could have influenced market operations.

A strong recovery in 2021 brought the market volume to 92 586 т. This rebound took place even as growers contended with the cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus, which had been causing crop losses. The trend reversed in 2022, with the market falling to 74 450 т. This drop was primarily due to high production and transport costs intensified by the Russia-Ukraine conflict and a severe local oversupply of watermelons that crashed prices, making farming unviable and leading to destroyed harvests.

Market volume stabilized at 74 759 т in 2023. During this period, the ongoing Fresh Produce Market Inquiry continued to examine competitiveness and inefficiencies in the supply chain. Shifting consumer preferences toward fresh, high-quality produce and increased global supplies, including from Costa Rica, shaped the market environment.

Production watermelons and melons in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of watermelons and melons, 2018-2021

World map of production of watermelons and melons, 2018-2021

In 2019, South Africa's production of watermelons and melons reached its highest level at 97 994 tons. However, in 2020, output fell sharply by 23.0% to a low of 75 476 tons. By 2021, production rebounded significantly, increasing by 26.9% year-over-year to reach 95 816 tons.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports watermelons and melons from South Africa

Exports in kind, t

South Africa's exports of watermelons and melons peaked in 2019 at 6 199 tons, marking a 14.6% increase from the previous year. In 2020, exports dropped sharply by 37.9% to a low of 3 849 tons. By 2021, exports recovered slightly, rising by 5.6% year-over-year to 4 063 tons. Overall, between 2018 and 2021, exports declined by 24.9%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 9.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the United Kingdom, Botswana, and Lesotho consistently led as the top destinations for South Africa's watermelon and melon exports by volume. The United Kingdom accounted for 23.3% of exports, Botswana for 20.8%, and Lesotho for 11.9%. Together, these three countries represented 56.1% of total export flows during this period.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

After declining for two consecutive years, South Africa's watermelon and melon exports in value terms rebounded in 2021, reaching 3 772 thousand US dollars, a 16.2% increase from the previous year. The lowest point was in 2020 at 3 245 thousand US dollars, which saw a sharp decline of 59.1%. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports in value terms fell by 72.2%, with an average annual decrease of 34.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, the United Kingdom was the leading destination for South Africa's watermelon and melon exports by value, accounting for 54.7% of total exports. The Netherlands followed with 17.5%, and Botswana with 7.5%. Combined, these three markets represented 79.7% of total export value flows during this timeframe.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021

Imports watermelons and melons to South Africa

Imports in kind, t

South Africa's imports of watermelons and melons by volume reached their highest point in 2019 at 2 196 tons, reflecting a 26.6% increase from the previous year. Imports then declined for two consecutive years, falling by 50.0% year-over-year in 2021 to 834 tons. Overall, from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 52%, averaging an annual decline of 21.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, t

Throughout the 2018-2021 period, Namibia dominated South Africa's watermelon and melon imports by volume, holding an 87.7% share of total flows. Other markets contributed relatively small portions to the import structure.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

South Africa's watermelon and melon imports in value terms peaked in 2019 at 1 074 thousand US dollars, with a modest increase of 2.3% from the previous year. In 2020, imports fell sharply by 36.8%, and the decline continued in 2021, dropping by 33.2% year-over-year to 453 thousand US dollars. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports in value terms decreased by 56.8%, with an average annual decline of 24.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Namibia accounted for 84.4% of South Africa's watermelon and melon imports by value. The remaining imports were distributed among a variety of smaller markets.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021