Turkey: Watermelon Market 2025

Watermelon Market Size in Turkey

The Turkish watermelon market amounted to $X in 2022, picking up by 1.9% against the previous year. Overall, consumption saw a mild contraction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 9.3% against the previous year. Watermelon consumption peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Watermelon Production in Turkey

In value terms, watermelon production reached $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 when the production volume increased by 27% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production attained the maximum level at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

The average yield of watermelons in Turkey dropped modestly to X tons per ha in 2022, approximately reflecting 2021 figures. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of +1.4% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 with an increase of 3.9% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average watermelon yield reached the peak level at X tons per ha in 2021, and then reduced slightly 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 Turkey; approximately equating 2021 figures. Over the period under review, the harvested area, however, saw a noticeable setback. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to watermelon production attained the maximum at X ha in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the harvested area remained at a lower figure.

Watermelon Exports

Exports from Turkey

In 2022, overseas shipments of watermelons increased by 42% to X tons, rising for the fifth year in a row after two years of decline. Overall, exports enjoyed a strong increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when exports increased by 150% against the previous year. The exports peaked in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, watermelon exports surged to $X in 2022. In general, exports posted a buoyant expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 177% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs in 2022 and are likely to see gradual growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

Germany (X tons), Russia (X tons) and Ukraine (X tons) were the main destinations of watermelon exports from Turkey, together comprising 36% of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Ukraine (with a CAGR of +68.3%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest markets for watermelon exported from Turkey were Russia ($X), Poland ($X) and Germany ($X), with a combined 44% share of total exports. Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, the UK, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Austria, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Iraq and Georgia lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 41%.

Ukraine, with a CAGR of +66.8%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, among the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The average watermelon export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, growing by 26% against the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.7%. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when the average export price increased by 41%. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the maximum in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Russia ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Georgia ($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 Austria (+5.4%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Watermelon Imports

Imports into Turkey

In 2022, imports of watermelons into Turkey skyrocketed to X tons, jumping by 29% compared with 2021 figures. Overall, imports posted prominent growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 78%. Imports peaked at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, watermelon imports soared to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports showed a resilient increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 71% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Iran (X tons) constituted the largest watermelon supplier to Turkey, accounting for a 89% share of total imports. Moreover, watermelon imports from Iran exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Sudan (X tons), more than tenfold.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Iran stood at +12.2%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Sudan (+64.4% per year) and Syrian Arab Republic (+9.2% per year).

In value terms, Iran ($X) constituted the largest supplier of watermelons to Turkey, comprising 66% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Sudan ($X), with a 15% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Iran totaled +9.5%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Sudan (+80.0% per year) and Syrian Arab Republic (+7.8% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average watermelon import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, waning by -6.7% against the previous year. In general, the import price showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 an increase of 96% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices attained the maximum at $X per ton in 2021, and then declined in the following year.

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

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Sudan (+9.5%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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