Watermelons market in Australia and New Zealand

Earlier Report Observations

The watermelon market volume in Australia and New Zealand remained stable at around 168 thousand tons from 2018 to 2019. It then grew to 178.9 thousand tons in 2020, driven by the introduction of new seedless and mini watermelon varieties, which attracted a broader consumer base, and increased health consciousness boosting demand for fresh produce. Market volume continued to rise in 2021, reaching 196.8 thousand tons, supported by sustained consumer trends favoring healthy eating and seasonal demand.

After peaking in 2021, the market volume declined to 186.2 thousand tons in 2022 due to supply chain challenges, including climate change effects on production stability. The downturn continued in 2023, with volume falling to 167.4 thousand tons, while the mini watermelon segment showed accelerated growth, reflecting shifting consumer preferences within a contracting overall market.

Production watermelons in Australia and New Zealand

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of watermelons, 2018-2021

World map of production of watermelons, 2018-2021

Watermelon production in Australia and New Zealand has grown for the second year in a row. In 2021, output reached 197.2 thousand tonnes, marking an 8.5% increase from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production rose by 10.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.5%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 172.3 thousand tonnes, which represented a 3.1% decline from the previous year.

Annual dynamics of production in Australia and New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports watermelons from Australia and New Zealand

Exports in kind, t

The market showed significant fluctuations during this period. Exports reached their highest point in 2019 at 11 423 tonnes and their lowest in 2020 at 3 209 tonnes, creating a 3.6-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Australia and New Zealand exported 3 796 tonnes of watermelons, representing a strong year-on-year increase of 18.3%. The largest decline occurred in 2020 with a 71.9% drop, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 25.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia and New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the United Arab Emirates (49.3% of export volume), Qatar (10.2%), and Japan (2.8%) consistently held the top positions in Australia and New Zealand's watermelon export markets. Together, these three countries accounted for 62.2% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Australia and New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2021, the value of watermelon exports from Australia and New Zealand reached 5 180 thousand US dollars, showing a 1.7% improvement compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, export value decreased by 33.4%, which translates to an average annual decline of 12.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 5 095 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 10 456 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2020 with a 51.3% drop, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 34.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia and New Zealand in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout 2018-2021, the United Arab Emirates (50.8% of export value), Qatar (14.6%), and Japan (3.7%) played leading roles in Australia and New Zealand's watermelon export markets by value. Collectively, these three destinations accounted for 69.1% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Australia and New Zealand in value, 2018-2021

Imports watermelons to Australia and New Zealand

Imports in kind, t

The market experienced notable fluctuations during this period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2019 at 6 796 tonnes, creating a 42-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Australia and New Zealand imported 3 405 tonnes of watermelons, representing a dramatic 766.2% increase from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2020 with a 94.2% drop, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 4 114.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Australia and New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Tonga was the leading supplier of watermelons to Australia and New Zealand, accounting for 12.1% of total import volume.

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

World map of product's imports to Australia and New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

The market showed significant fluctuations during this period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2020 at 533 thousand US dollars and peaked in 2019 at 3 652 thousand US dollars, creating a 6.9-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Australia and New Zealand's watermelon imports reached 2 224 thousand US dollars, marking a 317.5% improvement compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2020 with an 85.4% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Australia and New Zealand in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Tonga remained the key source for watermelon imports by value, accounting for 13.4% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Australia and New Zealand in value, 2018-2021