Watermelons market in the United States

Earlier Report Observations

US watermelon market volume declined from 2.27 million metric tons in 2018 to 2.09 million metric tons in 2020. This reduction was primarily driven by environmental factors and adverse weather conditions, which made domestic production volatile and led to regional price spikes, as seen in California and Texas during 2019.

A recovery began in 2021, with market volume growing to 2.25 million metric tons by 2023. The expansion was supported by a shift in consumer preferences toward healthier options and seedless watermelon varieties. Innovative marketing strategies that highlighted nutritional benefits, amplified by social media influence, boosted demand, while new product launches like watermelon-flavored beverages and fruit fusion wines attracted additional consumers.

Health and sustainability trends consistently influenced the market throughout the period. Key players, including Nestle and PepsiCo, engaged in strategic developments, and the National Watermelon Promotion Board funded shopper segmentation studies to refine marketing approaches. Retail partnerships, such as Mela Watermelon Water's distribution through 7-Eleven, enhanced market access and product availability.

Production watermelons in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States ranked 7th globally in watermelon production volume.

Top producers of watermelons, 2017-2020

World map of production of watermelons, 2017-2020

Watermelon production in the United States declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 1 562 K t of watermelons, marking a 4.7% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 15.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -5.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Watermelon production in the United States declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 862 M $ US, down 1.0% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 14.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -5.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports watermelons from the United States

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, watermelon exports from the United States increased in 2020. Exports totaled 228.9 K t, showing a modest 5.4% rise compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 2.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.0%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 217.2 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 1.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Canada was the nearly exclusive buyer of watermelons from the United States, accounting for 98.9% of total exports in volume.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, the value of watermelon exports from the United States reached 126.3 M $ US, representing a 9.5% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports rose by 3.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 115.3 M $ US, which also experienced the largest decline of 6.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Canada effectively concentrated the value of watermelon exports from the United States, holding a 98.6% share of total flows.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020

Imports watermelons to the United States

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, watermelon imports into the United States amounted to 752.1 K t, down 4.1% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 3.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.3%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 723.3 K t, while the highest was in 2019 at 784.4 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 8.4%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Mexico was the main supplier of watermelons to the United States, accounting for 84.5% of total imports in volume, with other partners holding relatively modest shares.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, foreign watermelon supplies to the United States declined in 2020. Import volume stood at 379.4 M $ US, reflecting a moderate 7.5% fall from the prior year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 8.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 410.2 M $ US, which also experienced the largest increase of 14.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Mexico was the dominant supplier of watermelons to the United States, accounting for 80.3% of total imports in value terms, with other countries sharing the remaining volume.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020