Watermelons and melons market in Uruguay

Earlier Report Observations

The Uruguayan watermelons and melons market expanded steadily from 14,150 tons in 2018 to 14,636 tons in 2023. This growth was initially supported by the government's inclusion of these fruits in the 'Intelligent Basket' program in August 2018, which promoted local consumption by ensuring quality and affordable prices.

Market volume stabilized in 2020 before rising again, aided by the entry and consolidation of major international players. In 2021, Citri&Co entered the market through its acquisition of Agrícola Famosa, strengthening distribution. Further consolidation occurred in 2022 when Citri&Co assumed exclusive commercialization rights in Uruguay, enhancing supply and supporting market growth.

By 2024, factors such as favorable climatic conditions and the renewed 'Intelligent Basket' promotion continued to influence the market. Excessive rains in June led to temporary shortages and price increases, while growing participation in international trade fairs reflected rising export ambitions for local producers.

Production watermelons and melons in Uruguay

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of watermelons and melons, 2017-2020

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

Uruguay's production of watermelons and melons declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 13 529 tonnes, marking a slight decrease of 0.6% compared to the previous year. Production peaked in 2018 at 13 629 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 1.0%.

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

Exports watermelons and melons from Uruguay

Exports in kind, t

The export market for watermelons and melons from Uruguay showed an unstable trend over the period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2020 at 5.9 tonnes, representing a sharp contraction of 70.2% from the prior year. In contrast, the highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 19.9 tonnes, with a substantial increase of 155.1% that year. The gap between these years was 3.4-fold.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical distribution of Uruguay's watermelon and melon exports was dominated by the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, which together accounted for 99.7% of total shipments.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Uruguay's watermelon and melon exports in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 12.7 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp drop of 31.8% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 33.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -12.9%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 20.7 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 7.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United Kingdom was the primary and nearly exclusive market for Uruguay's watermelon and melon exports in value terms, accounting for 92.9% of total flows.

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

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

Imports watermelons and melons to Uruguay

Imports in kind, t

Uruguay's imports of watermelons and melons increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country imported 714.3 tonnes, up by 7.0% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 5.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.7%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 528.1 tonnes, which saw the largest annual decline of 22.2%. In contrast, 2019 registered the largest increase of 26.4%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Brazil was the key partner for Uruguay's watermelon and melon imports in kind, accounting for 97.8% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Uruguay's imports of watermelons and melons in value terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume totaled 264.0 thousand US dollars, corresponding to a fall of 13.3% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 42.7%, equating to an annualized rate of -16.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil concentrated almost all of Uruguay's watermelon and melon imports in value terms, with a share of 95.7% of total flows.

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

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