Morocco’s Watermelon Exports to France Surge 155%, Challenging Spanish Dominance

Moroccan exports of watermelons to France have made a breakthrough in the space of 10 years. According to Comtrade (UN) data analyzed by the specialized website Hortoinfo, they have increased from 23,960 tons in 2015 to 61,130 tons in 2024, a significant increase of 155%. This breakthrough propels Morocco to become the second largest supplier of watermelons to the Hexagon, behind Spain, whose shipments have only increased by 4.87%, from 95,340 tons to 99,980 tons over the period. Italy completes the top 3 with 19,450 tons.

Last year, the global watermelon market represented 3.91 million tons imported, for a total value of 2.26 billion euros. The average price paid internationally was 0.58 €/kg. France imported 201,270 tons (or 5.15% of the global total). Its average price, which stands at 0.78 €/kg, is among the highest paying buyers after Sweden (0.82 €/kg), the United Kingdom (0.81 €/kg) and Austria (0.80 €/kg). France ranks sixth in the world in the ranking of major importers, behind Poland and China (216,191). It does, however, outpace the United Kingdom (193,144), the Netherlands (185,158) and Russia (112,161).

The United States is at the top of the ranking with 808,450 tons imported in 2024, or 20.67% of the global total. They are followed by Germany (474,340 tons, 12.13%) and Canada (246,000 tons, 6.29%).