Croatia: Watermelon Market 2025

Watermelon Market Size in Croatia

The Croatian watermelon market fell significantly to $X in 2022, shrinking by -21.3% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the total consumption indicated a perceptible expansion from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +2.2% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, consumption increased by +22.8% against 2020 indices. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $X, and then shrank dramatically in the following year.

Watermelon Production in Croatia

In value terms, watermelon production shrank to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, the total production indicated a moderate increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.3% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, production increased by +5.6% against 2020 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 when the production volume increased by 79%. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

The average yield of watermelons in Croatia declined slightly to X tons per ha in 2022, approximately mirroring the previous year. In general, the yield continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 when the yield increased by 29%. As a result, the yield attained the peak level of X tons per ha. From 2014 to 2022, the growth of the average watermelon yield failed to regain momentum. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2022, approx. X ha of watermelons were harvested in Croatia; waning by -13.2% compared with the previous year's figure. In general, the total harvested area indicated a modest expansion from 2012 to 2022: its figure increased at an average annual rate of +1.5% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, watermelon harvested area increased by +17.9% against 2020 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when the harvested area increased by 36%. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to watermelon production attained the peak figure at X ha in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, the harvested area failed to regain momentum.

Watermelon Exports

Exports from Croatia

In 2022, exports of watermelons from Croatia soared to X tons, rising by 72% compared with the previous year's figure. Overall, exports showed buoyant growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 with an increase of 2,043% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

In value terms, watermelon exports skyrocketed to $X in 2022. In general, exports saw significant growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when exports increased by 1,203% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

Exports by Country

Slovenia (X tons), Germany (X tons) and the Czech Republic (X tons) were the main destinations of watermelon exports from Croatia, together accounting for 94% of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Germany (with a CAGR of +70.0%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Germany ($X), Slovenia ($X) and the Czech Republic ($X) were the largest markets for watermelon exported from Croatia worldwide, with a combined 94% share of total exports.

In terms of the main countries of destination, Germany, with a CAGR of +85.5%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average watermelon export price amounted to $X per ton, rising by 12% against the previous year. Overall, the export price showed strong growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 when the average export price increased by 18% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the peak figure in 2022 and is likely to continue growth in the near future.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major overseas markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Slovakia ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Bosnia and Herzegovina ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Slovakia (+19.6%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Watermelon Imports

Imports into Croatia

In 2022, approx. X tons of watermelons were imported into Croatia; falling by -37.7% on 2021. Over the period under review, total imports indicated a temperate expansion from 2012 to 2022: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.5% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 with an increase of 64%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2021, and then shrank sharply in the following year.

In value terms, watermelon imports declined significantly to $X in 2022. In general, total imports indicated a strong increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.2% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, imports increased by +53.1% against 2018 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 52% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of $X, and then fell markedly in the following year.

Imports by Country

Greece (X tons), Italy (X tons) and Albania (X tons) were the main suppliers of watermelon imports to Croatia, with a combined 62% share of total imports. Spain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, Turkey, Montenegro, Germany, Serbia, North Macedonia and Bulgaria lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 35%.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Slovenia (with a CAGR of +33.5%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Greece ($X), Italy ($X) and Spain ($X) were the largest watermelon suppliers to Croatia, with a combined 64% share of total imports. Albania, Germany, Slovenia, Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, North Macedonia and Bulgaria lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 32%.

Slovenia, with a CAGR of +42.9%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, in terms of the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average watermelon import price amounted to $X per ton, increasing by 29% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2022, it increased at an average annual rate of +3.5%. As a result, import price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Germany ($X per ton), while the price for Bulgaria ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by North Macedonia (+10.9%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :