Romania: Watermelon Market 2025

Watermelon Market Size in Romania

The Romanian watermelon market reduced notably to $X in 2022, with a decrease of -16.3% against the previous year. Over the period under review, consumption continues to indicate a pronounced setback. Watermelon consumption peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Watermelon Production in Romania

In value terms, watermelon production reduced to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production recorded a pronounced setback. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 with an increase of 36%. Watermelon production peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

The average yield of watermelons in Romania fell to X tons per ha in 2022, which is down by -8.1% on the previous year's figure. Overall, the yield indicated a tangible increase from 2012 to 2022: its figure increased at an average annual rate of +4.8% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, watermelon yield decreased by -1.1% against 2018 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 23% against the previous year. The watermelon yield peaked at X tons per ha in 2021, and then shrank in the following year. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

The watermelon harvested area in Romania totaled X ha in 2022, leveling off at the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, the harvested area, however, continues to indicate a deep contraction. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to watermelon production reached the maximum at X ha in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the harvested area remained at a lower figure.

Watermelon Exports

Exports from Romania

In 2022, approx. X tons of watermelons were exported from Romania; with an increase of 275% on 2021. In general, exports enjoyed significant growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when exports increased by 723% against the previous year. The exports peaked in 2022 and are likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

In value terms, watermelon exports skyrocketed to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports recorded significant growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 890% against the previous year. The exports peaked in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

Ukraine (X tons) was the main destination for watermelon exports from Romania, accounting for a 66% share of total exports. Moreover, watermelon exports to Ukraine exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Poland (X tons), threefold. Moldova (X tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with a 4.1% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume to Ukraine stood at +7,392.0%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Poland (+39.1% per year) and Moldova (+36.7% per year).

In value terms, Ukraine ($X) emerged as the key foreign market for watermelons exports from Romania, comprising 64% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Poland ($X), with a 28% share of total exports. It was followed by Hungary, with a 3.2% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value to Ukraine stood at +6,972.0%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Poland (+45.0% per year) and Hungary (-3.6% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average watermelon export price amounted to $X per ton, jumping by 16% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, recorded a abrupt slump. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 when the average export price increased by 42% against the previous year. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Poland ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Moldova ($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 Poland (+4.2%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced mixed trend patterns.

Watermelon Imports

Imports into Romania

In 2022, after three years of growth, there was significant decline in purchases abroad of watermelons, when their volume decreased by -9.5% to X tons. In general, imports, however, showed resilient growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 when imports increased by 53%. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at X tons in 2021, and then contracted in the following year.

In value terms, watermelon imports expanded rapidly to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports, however, continue to indicate strong growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 39% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure in 2022 and are likely to see steady growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

Greece (X tons), Turkey (X tons) and Germany (X tons) were the main suppliers of watermelon imports to Romania, with a combined 79% share of total imports. Bulgaria, Spain, the Netherlands and Iran lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 17%.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Bulgaria (with a CAGR of +40.1%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Greece ($X), Turkey ($X) and Germany ($X) constituted the largest watermelon suppliers to Romania, with a combined 75% share of total imports. Spain, Bulgaria, the Netherlands and Iran lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 19%.

In terms of the main suppliers, Bulgaria, with a CAGR of +39.6%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, 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, surging by 17% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price posted a buoyant increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 when the average import price increased by 42% against the previous year. The import price peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

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 the Netherlands ($X per ton), while the price for Bulgaria ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Iran (+14.4%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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