Watermelons and melons market in Western Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh watermelons and melons in Western Europe fluctuated between 2018 and 2023, reaching a peak of 1 438 thousand tons in 2023 after a dip in 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 boosted consumption as consumers sought healthy snacks, supporting market volume at 1 428 thousand tons that year. Production rebounded in 2022 and 2023, aided by favorable growing conditions in France, though cultivation areas contracted in Italy and Spain due to rising costs and extreme heat.

Market value grew more sharply than volume, climbing to 1 424 million $ US in 2023. This reflected higher prices caused by supply constraints from heatwaves in Southern Europe and sustained demand for seedless watermelons, which have become increasingly preferred by consumers. The introduction of new varieties suitable for both whole fruit and fresh-cut convenience also helped align supply with evolving retail and consumer preferences.

Production watermelons and melons in Western Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of watermelons and melons, 2017-2020

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

After two consecutive years of decline, watermelon and melon production in Western Europe rebounded. In 2020, the region produced 317.1 thousand tons, representing a 21.0% increase compared to 2019. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 3.3%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.1%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2019 at 262.1 thousand tons, while the sharpest decline occurred in 2018 with a drop of 10.5%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following a two-year downturn, the value of watermelon and melon production in Western Europe recovered. In 2020, output was valued at 252.8 million US dollars, marking a 17.9% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, however, production value decreased by 5.6%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 1.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 214.4 million US dollars, with the most significant drop occurring in 2018 at 10.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Western Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports watermelons and melons from Western Europe

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Western Europe exported 507 thousand tons of watermelons and melons, a 7.9% increase compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 18.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 1.4%, while the strongest growth occurred in 2018 with an 11.4% increase.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, watermelon and melon exports from Western Europe were distributed across a diverse range of partner countries. Switzerland accounted for 6.3% of exports in volume, the United Kingdom for 6.2%, and Poland for 5.4%. Together, these three countries represented just 17.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, the value of watermelon and melon exports from Western Europe reached 404 million US dollars, reflecting a 5.2% year-over-year increase. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 8.3%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 2.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 415 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 7.4% drop, while the strongest growth was in 2018 with an 11.2% increase.

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

Data from 2017 to 2020 show that watermelon and melon exports from Western Europe in value terms were not heavily concentrated on a few key destinations. Switzerland accounted for 8.0% of export value, Italy for 5.2%, and the United Kingdom for 5.2%. Collectively, these three countries represented only 18.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports watermelons and melons to Western Europe

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, Western Europe imported 1 618 thousand tons of watermelons and melons, a modest 2.0% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 13.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 1.9%, while the strongest growth occurred in 2018 with a 13.7% increase.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, Italy, and Brazil were the primary suppliers of watermelons and melons to Western Europe in volume terms. Spain accounted for 49.4% of imports, Italy for 11.6%, and Brazil for 10.2%. Together, these three countries represented 71.2% of total import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Western Europe imported approximately 1 372 million US dollars worth of watermelons and melons, a significant 11.7% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value grew by 20%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 6.3%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 10.2%, while the strongest growth occurred in 2018 with a 19.7% increase.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Spain, Morocco, and Brazil remained the principal suppliers of watermelons and melons to Western Europe in value terms. Spain accounted for 46.7% of import value, Morocco for 11.0%, and Brazil for 10.8%. Collectively, these three countries represented 68.4% of total import value.

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

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