Guatemala: Watermelon Market 2025

Watermelon Market Size in Guatemala

The Guatemalan watermelon market was finally on the rise to reach $X in 2022, after two years of decline. In general, consumption enjoyed significant growth. Over the period under review, the market reached the peak level at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Watermelon Production in Guatemala

In value terms, watermelon production dropped to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, the total production indicated a resilient expansion from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +8.5% 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 +1.3% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 when the production volume increased by 94%. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

The average yield of watermelons in Guatemala expanded to X tons per ha in 2022, with an increase of 2.8% on 2021. Over the period under review, the yield indicated a tangible increase from 2012 to 2022: its figure increased at an average annual rate of +4.1% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, watermelon yield increased by +40.9% against 2016 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 31%. The watermelon yield peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in years to come. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2022, the total area harvested in terms of watermelons production in Guatemala expanded slightly to X ha, growing by 2.8% compared with 2021 figures. Over the period under review, the total harvested area indicated a resilient increase from 2012 to 2022: its figure increased at an average annual rate of +6.3% 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 decreased by -8.5% against 2018 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when the harvested area increased by 78%. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to watermelon production attained the maximum at X ha in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, the harvested area failed to regain momentum.

Watermelon Exports

Exports from Guatemala

For the third consecutive year, Guatemala recorded growth in overseas shipments of watermelons, which increased by 1.3% to X tons in 2022. In general, total exports indicated buoyant growth from 2012 to 2022: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +8.7% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, exports increased by +47.0% against 2019 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 when exports increased by 26%. The exports peaked in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

In value terms, watermelon exports skyrocketed to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports recorded prominent growth. As a result, the exports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

The United States (X tons) was the main destination for watermelon exports from Guatemala, with a 81% share of total exports. Moreover, watermelon exports to the United States exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, El Salvador (X tons), fourfold.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to the United States stood at +11.4%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: El Salvador (+1.7% per year) and Honduras (+3.2% per year).

In value terms, the United States ($X) remains the key foreign market for watermelons exports from Guatemala, comprising 95% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by El Salvador ($X), with a 4.8% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to the United States amounted to +14.5%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: El Salvador (+3.5% per year) and Honduras (+10.2% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average watermelon export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, growing by 52% against the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of +4.4%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the United States ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Honduras ($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 Honduras (+6.7%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Watermelon Imports

Imports into Guatemala

In 2022, overseas purchases of watermelons increased by 43% to X tons, rising for the second consecutive year after three years of decline. Overall, imports, however, recorded a abrupt setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when imports increased by 783% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, watermelon imports surged to $X in 2022. In general, imports, however, saw a abrupt downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when imports increased by 557% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Honduras (X tons) was the main watermelon supplier to Guatemala, accounting for a 96% share of total imports. It was followed by Nicaragua (X tons), with a 2.8% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume from Honduras totaled -4.6%.

In value terms, Honduras ($X) constituted the largest supplier of watermelons to Guatemala, comprising 80% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Nicaragua ($X), with a 16% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value from Honduras totaled -8.5%.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average watermelon import price amounted to $X per ton, surging by 15% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, showed a noticeable reduction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 an increase of 23% against the previous year. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2016 to 2022, the average import prices remained at a lower figure.

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 Nicaragua ($X per ton), while the price for Honduras amounted to $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Honduras (-4.2%).

Source: IndexBox Platform