W1 Watermelon and Melon Update: Mexico's Production Surged in 2023, Paraguay and Panama Expand Watermelon Market Presence Globally

Mexican Watermelon Production Surges in 2023, Boosting its Global Ranking Potential

Mexico's watermelon production increased in 2023, reaching 1.19 million tons, surpassing the annual amounts of 2021 and 2022. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development highlighted this upward trend, indicating that Mexico could be among the top 10 producing countries if this trend continues. Sonora emerged as the leading state for watermelon production in Mexico, contributing 373.08 thousand tons from Jan-23 to Nov-23. Other states followed, including Chihuahua, Jalisco, Veracruz, and Campeche. Watermelon contributes 4.7% to national production and has an annual per capita consumption of 3.5 kilograms (kg). The greater volume of watermelon has allowed for volumes exceeding 700 thousand tons per year to be allocated globally, with the United States (US) being the largest importer. Other destination countries include Japan, Canada, Belize, Cuba, Colombia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Paraguayan Ministry Promotes High-Quality Watermelon Sales in the 2023/24 Season Amid Brazilian Import Prohibition

Paraguayan watermelon producers in Horqueta have grown nearly 2 thousand plants in the 2023/24 season, with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock promoting the high-quality fruits. Selling for USD 1.24 per fruit, the Paraguayan watermelon has high demand from December to February. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock's Director of Marketing believes the high-quality fruits are superior to Brazilian ones, which enter outside the national production season. Imports of Brazilian watermelons have been prohibited since Aug-23 to promote the sale of Paraguayan watermelons.

Paso Guembe, Paraguay, Faces 80% Drop in Watermelon Production Due to Persistent Rains and El Niño

Watermelon production in Paso Guembe, Paraguay, has seen an 80% decrease compared to the previous years due to persistent rains and El Niño impacting the production. Despite these challenges, efforts to maintain watermelon quality have been successful, and sales are ongoing. The continued popularity of the fruit underscores its significance in the region, emphasizing the importance of implementing sustainable farming practices to address and adapt to adverse weather conditions.

Severe Storm Damages Watermelon and Melon Production in San José, Argentina, During W1 Led to Significant Losses

A storm on January 6, 2024, caused severe damage to the production of watermelons and melons in San José's rural area in Argentina, causing considerable losses and preventing the sale of the fruits. Affecting a large part of the provincial territory, the storm also forced the suspension of the first night of the Provincial Watermelon Festival.