Watermelons market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The Italian watermelon market experienced significant fluctuations between 2018 and 2023, with volume growing overall from 322 thousand tons to 547 thousand tons. This period was marked by a sharp 62% surge to 524 thousand tons in 2019, followed by a 31% contraction in 2020. The market then entered a phase of steady recovery, posting growth of 11% in 2021, 10% in 2022, and 24% in 2023 to reach a new peak.

By 2024, the market environment was influenced by climatic factors such as summer heat waves that traditionally boost demand, alongside enduring consumer trends favoring healthy, low-calorie, and hydrating foods. The sector also saw a growing interest in seedless varieties and smaller, more convenient formats like mini watermelons and pre-cut portions, reflecting a shift towards practicality and reduced waste.

Production watermelons in Italy

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

On a global scale, Italy ranked as the 20th largest producer of watermelons between 2017 and 2020.

Top producers of watermelons, 2017-2020

World map of production of watermelons, 2017-2020

Italy's watermelon production increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 651.9 thousand tonnes, showing little to no change compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 14.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.5%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of growth, Italy's watermelon production value declined. In 2020, the output was valued at 272.9 million US dollars, reflecting a moderate decrease of 8.4% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value increased by 25.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 297.9 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 22.1% also occurring that year.

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

Exports watermelons from Italy

Exports in kind, K t

Italy exported 320.5 thousand tonnes of watermelons in 2020, up by 37.1% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 49.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.3%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 21.9%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 39.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Poland, and Czechia formed the core of Italy's watermelon exports in volume terms. Germany accounted for 42.9% of exports, Poland for 13.3%, and Czechia for 7.8%, together representing 64.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Italy's watermelon exports were valued at 134.2 million US dollars, representing a 25.3% increase year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, export value grew by 63.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 17.9%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 14.7%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 53.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Poland, and Switzerland were the main markets for Italy's watermelon exports in value terms. Germany accounted for 42.7% of export value, Poland for 10.1%, and Switzerland for 8.6%, together making up 61.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports watermelons to Italy

Imports in kind, K t

The market showed significant volatility during these years. Imports reached their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2019, with a 3.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Italy imported 31.7 thousand tonnes of watermelons, reflecting a 70.5% contraction year-over-year. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 107.4 thousand tonnes, with the largest increase of 170.1% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece, Spain, and Tunisia were the leading suppliers of watermelons to Italy in volume terms. Greece accounted for 36.3% of imports, Spain for 34.6%, and Tunisia for 6.3%, together representing 77.2% of total import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Imports varied by a factor of 3.2, from a low in 2017 to a high in 2019. In 2020, Italy's watermelon imports were valued at 20.5 million US dollars, representing a 68.3% fall from 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 64.7 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 145.3% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, Greece, and France continued to be the top suppliers of watermelons to Italy in value terms. Spain accounted for 43.4% of import value, Greece for 24.9%, and France for 6.5%, together making up 74.8% of total import flows.

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

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