South Africa: Watermelon Market 2025

Watermelon Market Size in South Africa

The South African watermelon market reduced to $X in 2022, waning by -13.1% against the previous year. Overall, consumption showed a slight curtailment. Over the period under review, the market reached the peak level at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Watermelon Production in South Africa

In value terms, watermelon production shrank significantly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production continues to indicate a abrupt shrinkage. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when the production volume increased by 74%. Over the period under review, production reached the maximum level at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

In 2022, the average watermelon yield in South Africa declined modestly to X tons per ha, approximately mirroring 2021 figures. Overall, the yield, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when the yield increased by 0.9%. The watermelon yield peaked at X tons per ha in 2021, and then dropped 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.

In 2022, approx. X ha of watermelons were harvested in South Africa; which is down by -12.9% against 2021. In general, the harvested area showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when the harvested area increased by 35%. As a result, the harvested area attained the peak level of X ha, and then contracted in the following year.

Watermelon Exports

Exports from South Africa

In 2022, overseas shipments of watermelons decreased by -4.3% to X tons, falling for the third consecutive year after two years of growth. In general, exports, however, posted slight growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 with an increase of 49% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of X tons. From 2020 to 2022, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, watermelon exports surged to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports recorded a perceptible decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when exports increased by 121%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

The United Arab Emirates (X tons) was the main destination for watermelon exports from South Africa, accounting for a 38% share of total exports. Moreover, watermelon exports to the United Arab Emirates exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Swaziland (X tons), twofold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Lesotho (X tons), with a 17% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume to the United Arab Emirates amounted to +37.9%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Swaziland (+11.7% per year) and Lesotho (+1.4% per year).

In value terms, the United Arab Emirates ($X) remains the key foreign market for watermelons exports from South Africa, comprising 42% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Qatar ($X), with a 14% share of total exports. It was followed by the UK, with a 9.8% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to the United Arab Emirates totaled +43.5%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Qatar (+43.9% per year) and the UK (-13.8% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average watermelon export price amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 72% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, saw a drastic downturn. 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 the UK ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Swaziland ($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 Qatar (+6.8%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Watermelon Imports

Imports into South Africa

In 2022, after two years of decline, there was significant growth in purchases abroad of watermelons, when their volume increased by 323% to X tons. Overall, imports recorded pronounced growth. As a result, imports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, watermelon imports soared to $X in 2022. In general, imports posted a buoyant increase. As a result, imports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Namibia (X tons) was the main supplier of watermelon to South Africa, with a approx. 96% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Namibia stood at +2.4%.

In value terms, Namibia ($X) constituted the largest supplier of watermelons to South Africa.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Namibia stood at +6.3%.

Import Prices by Country

The average watermelon import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, surging by 34% against the previous year. In general, import price indicated a noticeable increase from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +3.8% 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 +143.5% against 2020 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when the average import price increased by 82% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices reached the maximum in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

As there is only one major supplying country, the average price level is determined by prices for Namibia.

From 2012 to 2022, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Namibia amounted to +3.8% per year.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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