Watermelons and melons market Turkey

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the Turkish watermelon and melon market experienced a pronounced contraction, with total market volume falling from 5 783 thousand tonnes to 4 451 thousand tonnes. Domestic production followed a similar downward trend, declining from 5 785 thousand tonnes to 4 551 thousand tonnes. In contrast, exports more than doubled, rising from 67 thousand tonnes to 145 thousand tonnes over the same period, indicating a shift in the sector's orientation toward foreign markets.

Several domestic initiatives marked these years. The 2018 introduction of the 'Düz-Tar' agricultural model in Düzce promoted local seed cultivation, planned a significant expansion of planted area, and used purchase guarantees to reduce producer risk. Subsequent years saw continued state support, including a diesel fuel subsidy for farmers in 2020. By 2021, new seedless and small-sized fruit varieties were introduced to meet consumer demand for fresh, local produce. These efforts culminated in 2022 with local seed projects extending the fresh fruit season into November and novel marketing approaches, such as ice-cream-filled melons, aimed at stimulating consumption.

The market's downward trajectory in production and overall volume continued through 2023. The sustained high level of exports during this period can be partly attributed to the earlier industry enhancements in local seed quality, extended availability, and product innovation.

Production watermelons and melons Turkey

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey held the second position globally in the production of watermelons and melons.

Top producers of watermelons and melons, 2017-2020

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

Turkey's production of watermelons and melons declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 5 216 thousand tonnes, marking a 7.6% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, overall production fell by 10.4%, which translates to an average annual decline of 3.6%.

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

Exports watermelons and melons to Turkey

Exports in kind, t

Turkey's exports of watermelons and melons increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 83 462 tonnes, up 17.6% from the year before. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 159.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 37.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports to Turkey in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Georgia, and Syria were notable buyers of Turkish watermelons and melons, accounting for 12.3%, 12.0%, and 9.2% of exports in volume, respectively. However, their combined share was only 33.5% of total exports, indicating no single country dominated the market.

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

World map of product's exports to Turkey in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The export market in value terms showed an unstable trend during this period. The lowest point was in 2017, followed by a peak in 2020, with a 2.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the value of watermelons and melons leaving Turkey was recorded at 28 562 thousand US dollars, a 57.5% increase from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 21.8%, while the biggest rise was in 2018, at 91.4%.

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

The structure of exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was diversified. Germany, Romania, and Poland accounted for 14.7%, 11.8%, and 9.2% of exports in value, respectively, but together they made up just 35.8% of total flows, with no country holding a clearly dominant position.

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

World map of product's exports to Turkey in value, 2017-2020

Imports watermelons and melons in Turkey

Imports in kind, t

The import market in volume terms displayed volatility over the observed period. Imports peaked in 2019 and fell to their lowest point in 2020, with a 2.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Turkey's imports of watermelons and melons registered 33 303 tonnes, a 62.3% decrease compared to the previous year. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 88 257 tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2018, at 80.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports of watermelons and melons to Turkey in volume terms were almost entirely concentrated in Iran, which held a 93.1% share.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, Turkey's imports of watermelons and melons in value terms declined. In 2020, imports stood at 4 911 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp fall of 26.8% versus the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 19%, with a compound annual decline rate of 6.8%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 6 711 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 5.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Iran, Sudan, and Afghanistan were the main suppliers of watermelons and melons to Turkey in value terms, accounting for 64.7%, 14.2%, and 9.8% of imports, respectively. Together, they comprised 88.7% of total imports in value.

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

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