Melon Market Overview in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi melon market shrank to $ in 2019, dropping by -% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). Over the period under review, consumption continues to indicate a drastic downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2008 with an increase of % y-o-y. Melon consumption peaked at $ in 2011; however, from 2012 to 2019, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, melon production surged to $ in 2019 estimated in export prices. In general, production continues to indicate a abrupt shrinkage. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $ in 2011; however, from 2012 to 2019, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

The average yield of melons in Saudi Arabia stood at tonnes per ha in 2019, approximately equating the previous year. In general, the yield recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2008 when the yield increased by % against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average melon yield attained the maximum level at tonnes per ha in 2010; however, from 2011 to 2019, 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 2019, the harvested area of melons in Saudi Arabia totaled ha, flattening at 2018. Overall, the harvested area recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2010 with an increase of % y-o-y. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to melon production reached the peak figure at ha in 2011; however, from 2012 to 2019, the harvested area failed to regain the momentum.

In 2019, consumption of melons in Saudi Arabia reduced to tonnes, falling by -% compared with 2018 figures. In general, consumption showed a abrupt downturn. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2010 with an increase of % against the previous year. Melon consumption peaked at tonnes in 2011; however, from 2012 to 2019, consumption failed to regain the momentum.

The size of the melon market in Saudi Arabia fell to $ in 2019, with a decrease of -% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). Overall, consumption showed a abrupt downturn. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2008 when the market value increased by % y-o-y. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $ in 2011; however, from 2012 to 2019, consumption failed to regain the momentum.

Depressed by shrinking demand for melon in Saudi Arabia, the market is expected to continue its downward consumption trend over the next decade. The performance of the market is forecast to contract with an anticipated CAGR of -% for the period from 2019 to , which is projected to depress the market volume to tonnes by the end of .

Driven by a growing demand, the share of imports in total supply in Saudi Arabia increased significantly over the last twelve-year period (from % to %). Total import supply of melon is expected to rise, though it will be moderately impacted by price increases.

Saudi Arabia remains a net importer of melon; in physical and value terms, imports consistently exceeded exports from 2007 to 2019. In 2019, there was a significant trade deficit of tonnes, which was equal to $. This tangible trade deficit reflects the fact that the market remains dependent on imports, which is likely to continue in the medium term.