Watermelons market in Canada

Earlier Report Observations

The Canadian watermelon market expanded from 256 thousand tons in 2018 to 292 thousand tons in 2021. This growth was supported by rising consumer interest in Quebec, where increased local consumption and the presence of about ten local producers helped stimulate demand for fresh watermelons.

Market volume then dipped to 250 thousand tons in 2022 before recovering to 280 thousand tons in 2023. The fluctuations during this period reflected changes in import volumes, which make up the bulk of supply for the Canadian market.

By 2024, commercial fruit production in Canada had risen, which likely supported the availability of domestic watermelons. Public markets in Quebec played a significant role in distributing fresh produce, aligning with growing consumer preference for local goods, though a cooler spring delayed the local harvest season, temporarily affecting supply.

Production watermelons in Canada

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of watermelons, 2017-2020

World map of production of watermelons, 2017-2020

Canada's watermelon production has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 33,562 tonnes of watermelons, marking a 1.9% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 16.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.1%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 28,827 tonnes, which saw a slight decline of 0.2%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase, with production jumping by 14.3%.

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

Exports watermelons from Canada

Exports in kind, K t

The market displayed significant volatility during the observed period. Watermelon exports from Canada reached their lowest point in 2018 at 0.3 thousand tonnes, then surged to a peak of 1.4 thousand tonnes in 2019—a fourfold increase. In 2020, exports fell to 0.8 thousand tonnes, down 45.1% from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, dropping by 66.7%, while the largest increase was in 2019, soaring by 297.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States dominated Canada's watermelon exports in volume, accounting for 99.8% of total shipments.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Export values hit their lowest in 2018 at 0.1 million US dollars, then climbed to a peak of 0.5 million US dollars in 2019—a 3.4-fold difference. In 2020, exports dropped to 0.2 million US dollars, declining by 48.0% compared to 2019. The largest decrease was in 2018, falling by 54.8%, while the largest increase was in 2019, rising by 239.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States was the dominant market for Canada's watermelon exports in value terms, making up 99.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports watermelons to Canada

Imports in kind, K t

Canada's watermelon imports have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 232.7 thousand tonnes, up 2.0% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 9.6%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 3.1%.

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

During 2017–2020, the United States and Mexico were the main sources for Canada's watermelon imports by volume, together representing 92.1% of total flows, with other partners accounting for the remainder.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Canada's watermelon import value rose to 122.5 million US dollars, a substantial increase of 12.7% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 6.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 108.7 million US dollars, which saw a decline of 6.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Mexico remained the key partners for Canada's watermelon imports in value terms, jointly holding a 91.4% share of total flows; other partners made up the rest.

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

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