Watermelons market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

The watermelon market in Portugal expanded from 63 600 t in 2018 to 71 400 t in 2022, before easing to 68 100 t in 2023. This growth was primarily driven by increased consumer demand for fresh and healthy foods, particularly noticeable from 2020, which raised overall consumption. Investments in logistics, controlled atmosphere storage, and cold chain improvements enhanced supply efficiency, supporting market availability throughout the period.

Production volumes saw fluctuations, influenced by Portugal's favorable natural conditions and ongoing innovation in agricultural processes. The adoption of quality management systems like ISO 9001 helped producers meet more stringent market requirements. Initiatives to promote sustainability and reduce food waste, such as the Fruta Feia cooperative that markets imperfect-looking fruit, contributed to sustaining consumption levels in 2022. Meanwhile, regulatory changes aimed at facilitating technology transfer and innovation provided further support to the agri-food sector.

From 2023 onward, the market experienced a stronger focus on internationalization, with export prospecting missions targeting markets like the United States, Chile, India, and Poland. Concurrently, trends in food retail, including the restructuring of loyalty programs and the use of artificial intelligence for personalized shopping, began influencing the commercialization of fresh fruit. Growing consumer awareness of health and sustainability continued to shape demand, with experts highlighting safe handling practices for fresh watermelons to ensure food safety.

Production watermelons in Portugal

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of watermelons, 2018-2021

World map of production of watermelons, 2018-2021

Portugal's watermelon production has increased for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 31 120 tonnes of watermelons, representing a significant 12.0% year-over-year rise. Over the 2018-2021 period, production grew by 19.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.2%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 22 670 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 12.8%. In contrast, 2020 experienced the biggest increase at 22.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports watermelons from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

Portugal's watermelon exports have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, export volumes totaled 4 323 tonnes, reflecting a gradual 9.3% drop compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 57.6%, with a compound annual decline rate of 24.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Poland, Spain, and Germany were the main destinations for Portugal's watermelon exports in volume terms. Poland accounted for 56.5% of exports, Spain for 22.5%, and Germany for 7.1%. Together, these three countries represented 86.1% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Portugal's watermelon export values have fallen for the third year in a row. In 2021, exports amounted to 2 574 thousand US dollars, marking a sharp 17.3% year-over-year decline. Between 2018 and 2021, export values dropped by 79%, equivalent to an annualized decrease of 40.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Over the 2018-2021 period, Poland was the dominant destination for Portugal's watermelon exports in value terms, accounting for 70.3% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among several smaller markets.

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

World map of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021

Imports watermelons to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

Portugal's watermelon imports have decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, import volumes reached 40 587 tonnes, showing a 6.6% fall compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports declined by 15.1%, with a compound annual decrease of 5.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Portugal's watermelon imports in volume terms were heavily concentrated on Spain, which absorbed 95.4% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Portugal's watermelon import values declined in 2021, totaling 15 881 thousand US dollars, a substantial 13.3% year-over-year drop. Between 2018 and 2021, import values decreased by 8%, equating to an annualized decline of 2.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at 18 326 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 14.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout 2018-2021, Spain remained the dominant and nearly exclusive source for Portugal's watermelon imports in value terms, holding a 91.8% share.

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

World map of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021