Serbia: Watermelon Market 2024

Watermelon Market Size in Serbia

The Serbian watermelon market shrank to $X in 2022, which is down by -7.1% against the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.9% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed in certain years. Over the period under review, the market reached the peak level at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Watermelon Production in Serbia

In value terms, watermelon production rose slightly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.4% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 when the production volume increased by 17%. Watermelon production peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

In 2022, the average yield of watermelons in Serbia dropped to X tons per ha, with a decrease of -3.3% compared with the year before. Over the period under review, the yield, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 when the yield increased by 38%. 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 remained at a somewhat lower figure. 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 Serbia rose slightly to X ha, increasing by 2% on 2021 figures. In general, the harvested area, however, showed a perceptible curtailment. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 33% against the previous year. As a result, the harvested area attained the peak level of X ha. From 2018 to 2022, the growth of the watermelon harvested area remained at a lower figure.

Watermelon Exports

Exports from Serbia

Watermelon exports from Serbia soared to X tons in 2022, picking up by 68% against the year before. In general, exports, however, continue to indicate a perceptible shrinkage. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, watermelon exports skyrocketed to $X in 2022. Overall, exports showed a resilient increase. As a result, the exports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

Germany (X tons), the Czech Republic (X tons) and Slovenia (X tons) were the main destinations of watermelon exports from Serbia, together comprising 78% of total exports. Poland, Slovakia, Croatia, Lithuania and Bosnia and Herzegovina lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 18%.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Poland (with a CAGR of +18.4%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Germany ($X) remains the key foreign market for watermelons exports from Serbia, comprising 59% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by the Czech Republic ($X), with a 20% share of total exports. It was followed by Slovenia, with a 6.4% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value to Germany amounted to +16.0%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the Czech Republic (-0.2% per year) and Slovenia (+14.2% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average watermelon export price amounted to $X per ton, jumping by 38% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price continues to indicate a prominent expansion. 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 Germany ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Bosnia and Herzegovina ($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 the Czech Republic (+9.7%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Watermelon Imports

Imports into Serbia

In 2022, purchases abroad of watermelons decreased by -52.5% to X tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a three-year rising trend. In general, imports, however, enjoyed a modest increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 125% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2021, and then shrank significantly in the following year.

In value terms, watermelon imports reduced notably to $X in 2022. Overall, imports, however, continue to indicate a buoyant increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 92% against the previous year. Imports peaked at $X in 2021, and then declined significantly in the following year.

Imports by Country

Greece (X tons), Albania (X tons) and North Macedonia (X tons) were the main suppliers of watermelon imports to Serbia, together comprising 92% of total imports. Spain, Brazil and Montenegro lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 5%.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Spain (with a CAGR of +40.9%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Greece ($X) constituted the largest supplier of watermelons to Serbia, comprising 62% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Albania ($X), with a 15% share of total imports. It was followed by Spain, with an 8% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value from Greece totaled +7.3%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Albania (+5.9% per year) and Spain (+48.3% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average watermelon import price amounted to $X per ton, rising by 37% against the previous year. In general, import price indicated a prominent increase from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +5.5% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, watermelon import price increased by +73.1% against 2020 indices. As a result, import price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Brazil ($X per ton), while the price for North Macedonia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Spain (+5.2%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform