Watermelons and melons market in South America

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, production of fresh watermelons and melons in South America in physical terms fluctuated, peaking in 2019 before recovering in 2023 after several years of decline. The market value, however, showed steady growth from 2021 onward, reflecting shifts in global conditions and regional efficiency.

In 2022, reduced production in key regions like Spain and North America due to extreme heat and lower yields tightened global supply and raised prices. This increased the value of the South American market even as physical volumes dipped slightly. The following year, favorable El Niño weather in Brazil, lower maritime freight costs, and increased exports to Europe during its off-season supported a rise in both production and market value.

By 2024, Brazilian producers like Agrícola Famosa strengthened their footprint by acquiring the Spanish company El Abuelo, securing greater access to the European market. New export-oriented varieties and growing consumer demand for traceability and quality continued to shape the sector's development.

Production watermelons and melons in South America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of watermelons and melons, 2017-2020

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

In South America, watermelon and melon production reached 4 199 thousand tonnes in 2020, showing a modest 3.5% decrease from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 2.7%, which translates to an annualized rate of 0.9%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 3 975 thousand tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2019 with 4 353 thousand tonnes. The most significant increase was observed in 2019, when production rose by 9.5%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Watermelon and melon production in South America declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 2 421 million US dollars, representing a 7.9% year-over-year decrease. From 2017 to 2020, production value fell by 9.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 2 669 million US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a modest rise of 0.2%.

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

Exports watermelons and melons from South America

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, South America's cross-border shipments of watermelons and melons totaled 343.1 thousand tonnes, marking a slight decrease of 1.2% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 10.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.4%. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 259.5 thousand tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 347.3 thousand tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018, dropping by 16.5%, whereas the most significant increase was in 2019, with a surge of 33.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Spain were the primary markets for South America's watermelon and melon exports in kind. The Netherlands accounted for 37.1% of exports, the United Kingdom for 26.4%, and Spain for 18.7%. Together, these three countries represented 82.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, South America exported watermelons and melons worth 197.9 million US dollars, experiencing a moderate loss of 5.6% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 2.3%, equating to an annualized rate of -0.8%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 174.2 million US dollars, while the maximum was in 2019 at 209.7 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018, falling by 14.0%, and the largest increase was in 2019, rising by 20.4%.

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

During 2017–2020, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Spain were the principal destinations for South America's watermelon and melon exports in value terms. The Netherlands held a 37.9% share, the United Kingdom 29.3%, and Spain 20.4%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 87.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports watermelons and melons to South America

Imports in kind, K t

The market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during the period. Import volumes reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a top-to-bottom ratio of 2.3 times. In 2020, South America imported 21.2 thousand tonnes of watermelons and melons, which is 87.5% higher than the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, with a decrease of 0.4%.

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

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The market exhibited signs of volatility over the observed period. Import levels fluctuated 2.1 times between the low of 2017 and the high of 2020. In 2020, cross-border shipments of watermelons and melons to South America reached 12.0 million US dollars, amounting to a gain of 96.3% over the past year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, with a drop of 3.7%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, the United States was the main partner for South America's imports in value terms, accounting for 0.5% of total flows.

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

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