EU: Melon Seed Market 2023

Melon Seed Market Size in the EU

In 2021, after two years of decline, there was growth in the EU melon seed market, when its value increased by 4.3% to $X. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.1% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations in certain years. Over the period under review, the market attained the maximum level at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Melon Seed Production in the EU

In value terms, melon seed production skyrocketed to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production continues to indicate a tangible expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when the production volume increased by 993% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

The country with the largest volume of melon seed production was Greece (X tons), comprising approx. 80% of total volume. Moreover, melon seed production in Greece exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, the Netherlands (X tons), sixfold.

In Greece, melon seed production remained relatively stable over the period from 2012-2021. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: the Netherlands (+0.4% per year) and Slovenia (+0.2% per year).

In 2021, the average melon seed yield in the European Union expanded modestly to X tons per ha, increasing by 3.5% on 2020. Over the period under review, the yield, however, recorded a pronounced downturn. Over the period under review, the melon seed yield attained the peak level at X tons per ha in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the yield stood 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 2021, the total area harvested in terms of melon seed production in the European Union shrank modestly to X ha, which is down by -1.8% against the previous year's figure. The harvested area increased at an average annual rate of +2.4% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when the harvested area increased by 13% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to melon seed production attained the maximum at X ha in 2020, and then dropped modestly in the following year.

Melon Seed Exports

Exports in the EU

For the third year in a row, the European Union recorded growth in shipments abroad of melon seed, which increased by 16% to X tons in 2021. Overall, exports showed a strong increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when exports increased by 98% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

In value terms, melon seed exports rose significantly to $X in 2021. In general, exports showed a strong increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when exports increased by 64% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

The Netherlands (X tons) and Belgium (X tons) represented roughly 61% of total exports in 2021. France (X tons) took the next position in the ranking, followed by Germany (X tons). All these countries together took approx. 26% share of total exports. Austria (X tons), Spain (X tons) and Sweden (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were in Belgium (with a CAGR of +55.8%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the Netherlands ($X) remains the largest melon seed supplier in the European Union, comprising 65% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by France ($X), with a 26% share of total exports. It was followed by Spain, with a 6.1% share.

In the Netherlands, melon seed exports increased at an average annual rate of +23.9% over the period from 2012-2021. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: France (+9.7% per year) and Spain (+25.5% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in the European Union stood at $X per ton in 2021, which is down by -7.1% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, showed temperate growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when the export price increased by 83%. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably country of origin: the country with the highest price was the Netherlands ($X per ton), while Belgium ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Austria (+7.7%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Melon Seed Imports

Imports in the EU

In 2021, approx. X tons of melon seed were imported in the European Union; increasing by 2.5% against 2020. In general, imports continue to indicate strong growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 when imports increased by 211%. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, melon seed imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Overall, imports saw a buoyant expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when imports increased by 78% against the previous year. The level of import peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Germany (X tons) represented the main importer of melon seed, achieving 34% of total imports. The Netherlands (X tons) took a 16% share (based on physical terms) of total imports, which put it in second place, followed by Sweden (13%), Belgium (11%), France (9.5%) and Spain (5.1%). Lithuania (X tons) held a minor share of total imports.

Imports into Germany increased at an average annual rate of +23.1% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Lithuania (+89.7%), Belgium (+48.2%), France (+35.8%), Sweden (+13.1%), the Netherlands (+11.9%) and Spain (+7.6%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Lithuania emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in the European Union, with a CAGR of +89.7% from 2012-2021. While the share of Belgium (+9.7 p.p.), Germany (+8.4 p.p.), France (+6.5 p.p.) and Lithuania (+2.5 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total imports from 2012-2021, the share of Sweden (-7.7 p.p.), Spain (-7.8 p.p.) and the Netherlands (-12.8 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, the Netherlands ($X), Spain ($X) and France ($X) constituted the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2021, together accounting for 86% of total imports. Germany, Sweden, Belgium and Lithuania lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 3.6%.

Lithuania, with a CAGR of +75.4%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, among the main importing countries over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The import price in the European Union stood at $X per ton in 2021, growing by 15% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, recorded a noticeable slump. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 an increase of 58%. Over the period under review, import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, import prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Spain ($X per ton), while Sweden ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Spain (+15.1%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform

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