Watermelons market in Southern Europe

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the fresh watermelon market in Southern Europe saw initial stabilization. In 2018, market growth was supported by rising consumption across Europe and the successful introduction of seedless varieties by leading cooperatives like Anecoop, which created a new product segment. The following year, volumes remained steady as producers focused on improving quality and offering differentiated products. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 shifted consumption patterns, boosting retail demand for fresh fruit, though logistical challenges may have affected supply chains.

From 2021 onward, the market entered a phase of sustained expansion. Changing consumer preferences towards convenience, such as pre-cut portions and smaller formats, helped drive volume growth in 2021. A significant surge occurred in 2022, fueled by intense heatwaves across Europe that boosted demand, coupled with a production shortfall in Spain due to adverse weather. This deficit was partly offset by increased imports from suppliers like Brazil. Growth continued in 2023, supported by the expansion of cultivated area in Italy—with investments in midi and seedless varieties—and persistently high demand during hot summer periods.

In 2024, the market continued to be shaped by climatic factors and elevated production costs, maintaining pressure on prices. Brazilian exporters maintained their presence by adhering to sustainability certifications, while European producers focused on quality and convenient formats to meet ongoing consumer expectations.

Production watermelons in Southern Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of watermelons, 2017-2020

World map of production of watermelons, 2017-2020

Southern Europe produced 2,919 thousand tonnes of watermelons in 2020, representing a 3.1% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 5%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.6%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 2,974 thousand tonnes, with the largest annual increase of 7.0% also occurring that year. In contrast, 2019 saw the most significant decline, with production dropping by 4.8%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of watermelon production in Southern Europe reached 1,557 million US dollars, showing a steady increase of 9.0% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, the production value rose by 19.5%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of 6.1%. The peak value was achieved in 2018 at 1,571 million US dollars, which also marked the largest annual increase of 20.5%. The most notable decrease occurred in 2019, with a decline of 9.1%.

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

Exports watermelons from Southern Europe

Exports in kind, K t

Southern Europe exported 1,356 thousand tonnes of watermelons in 2020, reflecting a moderate growth of 5.0% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export volumes increased by 23.6%, averaging an annual growth rate of 7.3%. The largest annual increase was recorded in 2018 at 22.6%, while 2019 experienced the most significant decline of 4.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main destinations for Southern Europe's watermelon exports in volume terms were Germany, accounting for 36.7% of exports, France with 12.0%, and Poland at 6.4%. Together, these three countries represented 55.1% of total export volumes.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Southern Europe's watermelon exports were valued at 723.3 million US dollars, indicating a robust increase of 10.9% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export values grew by 40.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 12.0%. The largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 38.2%, while 2019 saw the most notable decline of 8.3%.

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

During 2017-2020, the key markets for Southern Europe's watermelon exports in value terms were Germany, which accounted for 37.3% of export value, France with 13.7%, and the United Kingdom at 6.9%. Collectively, these three countries made up 57.9% of total export value.

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

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

Imports watermelons to Southern Europe

Imports in kind, K t

Following two consecutive years of growth, watermelon imports into Southern Europe declined in 2020. Import volumes reached 206 thousand tonnes, representing a substantial decrease of 25.0% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 28.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.6%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 274 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 38.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, watermelon imports into Southern Europe came from a diverse range of sources. The top suppliers were Morocco, accounting for 28.0% of import volume, Senegal with 4.6%, and Turkey at 2.2%. Together, these three countries represented 34.8% of total imports, while numerous smaller markets contributed the remaining 65.2%.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of consecutive growth, watermelon imports into Southern Europe decreased in 2020. The import value stood at 131.5 million US dollars, marking a 12.1% decline from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import values increased by 30%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.1%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 149.6 million US dollars, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 22.7%.

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

The structure of watermelon imports into Southern Europe in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was highly diversified. The leading suppliers were Morocco, accounting for 36.0% of import value, Senegal with 5.9%, and France at 2.4%. Together, these three countries represented just 44.3% of total import value, with no single country holding a dominant position.

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

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