Fresh Melon Suppliers, Trade & Prices — Market Overview 2026
Sub Product
Fresh Cantaloupe Melon, Fresh Charentais Melon, Fresh Galia Melon, Fresh Hami Melon, +2
Derived Products
Dried Melon, Frozen Melon, Melon Puree, Melon Juice, +1
HS Code
080719
Last Updated
2026-09-21
Key takeaways for search and sourcing teams
- Fresh Melon market coverage spans 140 countries.
- 2,711 exporter companies and 3,010 importer companies are indexed in the global supply chain intelligence network for this product.
- 15,035 supplier-linked transactions are summarized across the top 20 countries.
- Wholesale sample entries: 5; farmgate sample entries: 5.
- Latest reference year in this page dataset is 2026.
- Page data last updated on 2026-09-21.
Global Supplier Transactions, Export Activity, and Price Benchmarks for Fresh Melon
Analyze 15,035 supplier-linked transactions across the top 20 countries, with monthly unit-price benchmarks to track export competitiveness and sourcing risk for Fresh Melon.
Fresh Melon Country YoY Change in Supplier Transactions and Export Momentum
Compare positive and negative YoY shifts in Fresh Melon to identify accelerating supplier markets and weakening export corridors.
Top YoY shifts for Fresh Melon: Peru (+590.7%), Brazil (+217.6%), Paraguay (+72.8%).
Fresh Melon Country-Level Supplier Transaction and Unit Price Summary
As of 2025-10, benchmark Fresh Melon country transaction counts with monthly unit price and volume to prioritize supplier and export markets.
In 2026-03, countries with visible Fresh Melon transaction unit prices: Ecuador (5.87 USD / kg), Thailand (2.21 USD / kg), Uruguay (1.95 USD / kg), Honduras (1.63 USD / kg), India (1.06 USD / kg), 3 more countries.
| Country | YoY Change | Transaction Count | 2025-10 | 2025-11 | 2025-12 | 2026-01 | 2026-02 | 2026-03 | 2026-04 | 2026-05 | 2026-06 | 2026-07 | 2026-08 | 2026-09 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | -4.7% | 1,096 | 1.14 USD / kg (1,492,867.075 kg) | 2.27 USD / kg (99,585.3 kg) | 1.39 USD / kg (74,182.51 kg) | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) | ||||||
| India | +13.8% | 2,572 | 0.97 USD / kg (120,498.5 kg) | 1.04 USD / kg (86,265.4 kg) | 1.00 USD / kg (89,660.82 kg) | 0.93 USD / kg (269,828.56 kg) | 1.06 USD / kg (82,347.86 kg) | 1.06 USD / kg (82,017.86 kg) | ||||||
| Panama | +22.0% | 190 | - (-) | - (-) | - (-) | 0.65 USD / kg (34,410 kg) | 0.64 USD / kg (447,848 kg) | 0.44 USD / kg (878,206 kg) | ||||||
| Thailand | -2.5% | 141 | 2.56 USD / kg (4,397.4 kg) | 2.07 USD / kg (1,644 kg) | 2.30 USD / kg (2,271.612 kg) | 2.43 USD / kg (4,432.4 kg) | 2.13 USD / kg (1,491.4 kg) | 2.21 USD / kg (2,153.6 kg) | ||||||
| Ecuador | -23.6% | 136 | 7.16 USD / kg (15,266.2 kg) | 3.08 USD / kg (30,950.64 kg) | 3.09 USD / kg (14,265.2 kg) | 5.64 USD / kg (4,890 kg) | 5.77 USD / kg (5,580 kg) | 5.87 USD / kg (12,260 kg) | ||||||
| Uruguay | +4.5% | 50 | 3.79 USD / kg (385 kg) | 3.26 USD / kg (549 kg) | - (-) | - (-) | 4.02 USD / kg (1,024.7 kg) | 1.95 USD / kg (183.5 kg) | ||||||
| Brazil | +217.6% | 976 | 0.51 USD / kg (4,362,005.666 kg) | 0.68 USD / kg (3,607,640.904 kg) | 0.62 USD / kg (3,335,597.961 kg) | 0.82 USD / kg (1,785,774 kg) | 0.76 USD / kg (1,008,901 kg) | - (-) | ||||||
| Mexico | -14.6% | 3,062 | 0.46 USD / kg (25,825,586.325 kg) | 0.35 USD / kg (53,498,083.216 kg) | 0.48 USD / kg (17,861,632.513 kg) | 0.27 USD / kg (9,648,252.788 kg) | 0.49 USD / kg (3,310,444.381 kg) | 0.53 USD / kg (3,234,886.124 kg) | ||||||
| Peru | +590.7% | 85 | 0.10 USD / kg (385,840 kg) | 0.10 USD / kg (65,274 kg) | - (-) | - (-) | 2.14 USD / kg (7 kg) | - (-) | ||||||
| Costa Rica | +11.5% | 1,540 | - (-) | - (-) | 0.66 USD / kg (833,846.56 kg) | 0.56 USD / kg (11,411,603.079 kg) | 0.70 USD / kg (20,751,898.892 kg) | 0.87 USD / kg (4,941,876.586 kg) |
Fresh Melon Global Supply Chain Coverage
5,721 companies
2,711 exporters and 3,010 importers are mapped for Fresh Melon.
Exporters and importers can use Tridge Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to identify counterparties for Fresh Melon, benchmark reach, and prioritize outreach by market.
Fresh Melon Export Supplier Intelligence, Trade Flows, and Price Signals
2,711 exporter companies are mapped in Tridge Supply Chain Intelligence for Fresh Melon. Exporters and importers can use company profiles and analytics to evaluate supplier coverage, trading activity, and route opportunities.
Fresh Melon Verified Export Suppliers and Premium Partners
5 premium Fresh Melon suppliers include country, industry, and contactability signals to prioritize credible export partners faster.
Trio Enterprise Co., LTD
Thailand
Brokers And Trade AgenciesOthers
El Eman Co. for Import & Export
Egypt
Beverage ManufacturingCrop ProductionFood ManufacturingFood PackagingFood Services And Drinking PlacesFood WholesalersOthers
SimplyExim
India
Subtropico Market Agents
South Africa
Contact
Crop ProductionFood ManufacturingFood PackagingFood Services And Drinking PlacesBrokers And Trade AgenciesFood Wholesalers
FOOD AGRO COMPANY BB
Uzbekistan
Food ManufacturingCrop Production
Become a Premium Supplier to join the Tridge Supply Chain Network and advance your marketing and export channel strategy.
Fresh Melon Top Exporters and Supplier Profiles
Review leading exporter profiles while benchmarking against 2,711 total exporter companies in the Fresh Melon supply chain intelligence network. Exporters and importers can unlock company profiles and analytics to qualify partners faster.
(Mexico)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-01-27
Recently Export Partner Companies: 2
Industries: Brokers And Trade AgenciesCrop ProductionFood Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / WholesaleFarming / Production / Processing / PackingTrade
Exporting Countries: United States, United Arab Emirates
Supplying Products: Fresh Cucumber, Fresh Melon, Fresh Green Beans +5
(Afghanistan)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-08-21
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Beverage ManufacturingCrop ProductionFood ManufacturingFood Packaging
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / WholesaleFarming / Production / Processing / PackingFood ManufacturingRetail
Exporting Countries: India
Supplying Products: Fresh Pomegranate, Fresh Grape, Fresh Apricot +4
(Afghanistan)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-08-21
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Employee Size: 101 - 500 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD 10M - 50M
Industries: Crop ProductionFood Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: Food ManufacturingTrade
Exporting Countries: United States, India
Supplying Products: Fresh Grape, Fresh Pomegranate, Fresh Melon +5
(Honduras)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-02-26
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Crop ProductionFood ManufacturingOthers
Value Chain Roles: Farming / Production / Processing / PackingFood ManufacturingOthers
Exporting Countries: United States
Supplying Products: Fresh Melon, Fresh Cantaloupe, Fresh Watermelon +1
(Brazil)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-02-13
Recently Export Partner Companies: 20
Employee Size: Over 1000 Employees
Industries: Beverage ManufacturingCrop ProductionFood ManufacturingFood Packaging
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / WholesaleFarming / Production / Processing / PackingFood ManufacturingRetail
Exporting Countries: United Arab Emirates, Italy, Brazil, Russia, Germany, Spain, Ukraine, United States, United Kingdom, Netherlands
Supplying Products: Fresh Melon, Fresh Watermelon, Fresh Cantaloupe +5
(Afghanistan)
Latest Export Transaction: 2026-08-21
Recently Export Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Crop ProductionFood ManufacturingFood PackagingFood Services And Drinking Places
Value Chain Roles: Distribution / WholesaleFarming / Production / Processing / PackingFood Manufacturing
Exporting Countries: India
Supplying Products: Fresh Grape, Fresh Melon, Fresh Cherry +4
See the full picture in Tridge Eye: full price and trade history · 725,009+ company profiles
Fresh Melon Global Exporter Coverage
2,711 companies
Exporter company count is a key signal for Fresh Melon supply depth and sourcing optionality.
Use Supply Chain Intelligence analytics to narrow Fresh Melon opportunities by country, product, and value-chain role, then open company profiles to validate fit.
Top Exporting Countries for Fresh Melon (HS Code 080719) in 2024
For Fresh Melon in 2024, compare export volume and value across the top 10 supplier countries to map core supply structure.
| Rank | Country | Volume | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spain | 342,442,918.55 kg | 339,422,552.116 USD |
| 2 | Guatemala | 373,953,524 kg | 197,251,362 USD |
| 3 | Brazil | 243,361,448 kg | 185,218,935 USD |
| 4 | Netherlands | 113,236,097 kg | 166,918,438.899 USD |
| 5 | United States | 157,264,415 kg | 134,533,107 USD |
| 6 | Mexico | 114,479,958 kg | 89,387,373 USD |
| 7 | Italy | 37,234,284 kg | 44,541,730.535 USD |
| 8 | Uzbekistan | 58,009,338.802 kg | 19,770,391.95 USD |
| 9 | Myanmar [Burma] | 6,294,090 kg | 19,747,005.807 USD |
| 10 | Australia | 10,765,321.3 kg | 15,038,941.555 USD |
Fresh Melon Export Trade Flow and Partner Country Summary
Track Fresh Melon exporter-to-importer flows by value, volume, and share to uncover high-potential export routes.
Sourcing diagnosis
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Just tell us your spec and the volume you need. We'll check whether it's actually sourceable, and which origins and suppliers fit.
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Fresh Melon Import Buyer Intelligence, Demand Signals, and Price Benchmarks
3,010 importer companies are mapped for Fresh Melon demand intelligence. Use Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to prioritize buyers, distributors, and downstream demand partners by market.
Fresh Melon Top Buyers, Importers, and Demand Partners
Review leading buyer profiles and compare them against 3,010 total importer companies tracked for Fresh Melon. Exporters and importers can use Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to evaluate buyer quality and demand concentration.
(United States)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-02-26
Recently Import Partner Companies: 7
Employee Size: 101 - 500 Employees
Sales Revenue: USD 10M - 50M
Industries: Crop ProductionFood ManufacturingFood Packaging
Value Chain Roles: United States
(India)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-08-21
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Others
Value Chain Roles: -
(United Arab Emirates)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-08-21
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Brokers And Trade AgenciesFood Wholesalers
Value Chain Roles: -
(United Arab Emirates)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-01-27
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Industries: Food Manufacturing
Value Chain Roles: -
(India)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-08-21
Recently Import Partner Companies: 1
Employee Size: 51 - 100 Employees
Industries: Crop ProductionFood Wholesalers
Value Chain Roles: Netherlands, Costa Rica, China, India, Tanzania, Vietnam, France, Taiwan, Bangladesh
(Netherlands)
Latest Import Transaction: 2026-02-20
Recently Import Partner Companies: 2
Industries: Crop ProductionFood ManufacturingFood PackagingOthers
Value Chain Roles: -
See the full picture in Tridge Eye: full price and trade history · 725,009+ company profiles
Global Importer Coverage
3,010 companies
Importer company count highlights the current depth of demand-side visibility for Fresh Melon.
Use Supply Chain Intelligence analytics and company profiles to identify active Fresh Melon buyers, compare partner density by country, and refine GTM priorities.
Top Import Demand Countries for Fresh Melon (HS Code 080719) in 2024
For Fresh Melon in 2024, compare import volume and value across the top 10 demand countries to identify priority markets.
| Rank | Country | Volume | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | 567,379,017 kg | 459,499,680 USD |
| 2 | Netherlands | 155,225,984 kg | 166,383,514.57 USD |
| 3 | Germany | 122,307,560.811 kg | 154,311,829.208 USD |
| 4 | United Kingdom | 126,377,669 kg | 149,691,290.01 USD |
| 5 | Canada | 133,966,017.569 kg | 114,235,259.353 USD |
| 6 | Spain | 104,017,864.1 kg | 87,963,839.62 USD |
| 7 | Switzerland | 23,851,228 kg | 46,361,774.642 USD |
| 8 | Belgium | 26,458,230.63 kg | 42,527,474.672 USD |
| 9 | Portugal | 48,650,351 kg | 41,846,074.404 USD |
| 10 | Italy | 32,243,923 kg | 39,620,363.557 USD |
Fresh Melon Import Trade Flow and Origin Country Summary
Analyze Fresh Melon origin-to-destination trade flows by value, volume, and share to monitor demand-side sourcing channels.
Export diagnosis
Your Fresh Melon — which buyers could it sell to?
Just tell us what you make. We'll see whether you're ready to export today and which markets suit your offer.
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Global Wholesale Supplier Price Trends by Country for Fresh Melon
Fresh Melon Monthly Wholesale Supplier Price Summary by Country
Monthly Fresh Melon wholesale unit-price benchmarks by country for export and sourcing decisions.
In 2026-03, countries with visible Fresh Melon wholesale unit prices: Israel (2.52 USD / kg), United States (1.83 USD / kg), Spain (1.72 USD / kg), India (0.28 USD / kg).
| Country | 2025-10 | 2025-11 | 2025-12 | 2026-01 | 2026-02 | 2026-03 | 2026-04 | 2026-05 | 2026-06 | 2026-07 | 2026-08 | 2026-09 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| China | 0.76 USD / kg | 0.87 USD / kg | 0.96 USD / kg | - | - | - | ||||||
| Spain | 1.29 USD / kg | 1.47 USD / kg | 1.66 USD / kg | 1.78 USD / kg | 1.80 USD / kg | 1.72 USD / kg | ||||||
| Israel | 1.87 USD / kg | 2.11 USD / kg | 1.71 USD / kg | 1.92 USD / kg | 2.53 USD / kg | 2.52 USD / kg | ||||||
| United States | 1.51 USD / kg | 1.49 USD / kg | 1.55 USD / kg | 1.74 USD / kg | 1.53 USD / kg | 1.83 USD / kg | ||||||
| India | 0.40 USD / kg | 0.41 USD / kg | 0.38 USD / kg | 0.34 USD / kg | 0.31 USD / kg | 0.28 USD / kg |
Fresh Melon Wholesale Price Competitiveness by Major Exporting Countries
Compare Fresh Melon wholesale price ranges and YoY changes across the top 5 exporting countries to benchmark supplier price competitiveness.
| Rank | Country | Average | Lower | Upper | YoY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | 0.77 USD / kg | 0.31 USD / kg | 1.49 USD / kg | -7.0% |
| 2 | Spain | 1.56 USD / kg | 0.44 USD / kg | 3.15 USD / kg | +11.9% |
| 3 | Israel | 1.87 USD / kg | 1.15 USD / kg | 2.80 USD / kg | +9.7% |
| 4 | United States | 1.61 USD / kg | 0.48 USD / kg | 2.87 USD / kg | +8.2% |
| 5 | India | 0.22 USD / kg | 0.00 USD / kg | 0.84 USD / kg | -32.6% |
Latest Fresh Melon Wholesale Export Price Updates
Use the latest 5 Fresh Melon wholesale updates to validate current export price points and origin-level supplier changes.
| Date | Entry Name | Unit Price (USD) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-09-01 | 참외 **** * *** ** ***** **** | 107.04 USD / kg | |
| 2026-09-01 | 참외 ****** * *** *** ***** ** | 9.20 USD / kg | |
| 2026-09-01 | 참외 ****** * *************** **** | 361.75 USD / kg | |
| 2026-09-01 | 隼人瓜 * ***** *** | 0.38 USD / kg | |
| 2026-09-01 | 참외 **** * *** ** ***** **** | 91.44 USD / kg |
Price data
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We'll open up the full price history and competitor benchmarks. Just tell us which numbers you need and we'll walk you through them.
Global Farmgate Supplier Price Trends by Country for Fresh Melon
Fresh Melon Monthly Farmgate Supplier Price Summary by Country
Monthly Fresh Melon farmgate unit-price benchmarks by country to monitor supplier-side cost movement.
In 2026-03, countries with visible Fresh Melon farmgate unit prices: Ecuador (0.92 USD / kg).
| Country | 2025-10 | 2025-11 | 2025-12 | 2026-01 | 2026-02 | 2026-03 | 2026-04 | 2026-05 | 2026-06 | 2026-07 | 2026-08 | 2026-09 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ecuador | 0.71 USD / kg | 0.71 USD / kg | 0.73 USD / kg | 0.72 USD / kg | 0.76 USD / kg | 0.92 USD / kg |
Fresh Melon Farmgate Cost Trends by Major Exporting Supplier Countries
Compare Fresh Melon farmgate price levels and YoY changes across the top 1 exporting countries to understand origin-side supplier cost structure.
| Rank | Country | Average | Lower | Upper | YoY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecuador | 0.77 USD / kg | 0.70 USD / kg | 0.96 USD / kg | +4.1% |
Latest Fresh Melon Farmgate Export Cost Updates
Review the latest 5 Fresh Melon farmgate updates to monitor origin-side export cost and supplier pricing shifts.
| Date | Entry Name | Unit Price (USD) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-04-01 | Fre** ***** ********* * *** * | 0.91 USD / kg | |
| 2026-04-01 | Fre** ***** ********** * *** * | 0.80 USD / kg | |
| 2026-04-01 | Fre** ***** ******* * *** * | 0.96 USD / kg | |
| 2026-04-01 | Fre** ***** ******* * *** * | 1.25 USD / kg | |
| 2026-04-01 | Fre** ***** ****** ******* * *** * | 0.90 USD / kg |
Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormFresh
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Commodity GroupCucurbits
Scientific NameCucumis melo (melons); Citrullus lanatus (watermelon)
PerishabilityMedium
Growing Conditions
- Warm-season crop; frost-sensitive and typically grown in full sun
- Requires well-drained soils and managed irrigation in many commercial systems
- Quality and sweetness are sensitive to temperature, water management, and harvest maturity
Main VarietiesMuskmelon / cantaloupe types (netted rinds), Honeydew and other smooth-skin types, Galia-type melons, Piel de Sapo-type melons, Watermelon types (seeded and seedless)
Consumption Forms
- Fresh whole fruit
- Fresh-cut (slices, cubes, fruit mixes)
- Juice/smoothies and foodservice preparations
Grading Factors
- Size/weight and count per carton
- Rind appearance (blemishes, cracks, sunburn, scuffing)
- Maturity and internal eating quality (commonly screened via °Brix sampling programs)
- Firmness and absence of decay or soft spots
Market
Fresh melon is a globally traded cucurbit fruit category with very large production volumes concentrated in Asia and the Middle East/North Africa, while international trade is driven by counter-seasonal supply into high-income import markets. China and India are major production centers largely oriented to domestic consumption, whereas Spain, Central America (notably Guatemala and Honduras), Brazil, Mexico, and Morocco are prominent suppliers into the EU and North American markets. Trade dynamics are strongly seasonal, with retail programs emphasizing consistent size, sweetness, and appearance, and with significant price sensitivity during peak summer supply. Food-safety incidents (notably Salmonella-linked outbreaks associated with certain melon types and fresh-cut products) and phytosanitary compliance can rapidly disrupt trade flows and buyer sourcing decisions.
Market Growth
Major Producing Countries
- ChinaAmong the largest global producers by volume; production primarily oriented to domestic consumption
- IndiaAmong the largest global producers by volume; domestic market dominant
- TurkiyeMajor producer across multiple melon types; supplies domestic and regional markets
- IranSignificant producer in West Asia; trade influenced by regional logistics and sanctions-related constraints
- EgyptImportant producer in MENA; export programs overlap with Mediterranean seasonality
- United StatesLarge producer and major import market; seasonal domestic production complemented by imports
- BrazilMajor producer with export-oriented winter supply into the EU
Major Exporting Countries
- SpainKey supplier to European markets during Northern Hemisphere summer season
- GuatemalaMajor exporter supplying winter programs into North America and parts of Europe (often alongside neighboring Central American origins)
- HondurasImportant exporter supplying winter-season programs, particularly into North America
- BrazilCounter-seasonal exporter supplying Europe when Mediterranean supply is limited
- MexicoMajor supplier into the United States, especially in shoulder and off-season windows
- MoroccoImportant supplier into Europe, particularly in spring/early season windows
- NetherlandsTrade and redistribution hub in Europe; export flows often reflect re-exports
Major Importing Countries
- United StatesOne of the largest import markets; imports complement seasonal domestic production
- GermanyLarge European import market; significant intra-EU distribution via regional hubs
- FranceLarge European consumer market; imports supplement domestic/neighboring Mediterranean supply
- NetherlandsMajor EU entry, ripening/packing, and distribution hub (also re-exports)
- United KingdomImport-dependent market with year-round retail programs supplied by Mediterranean and counter-seasonal origins
- CanadaImport-dependent market largely supplied via North American and international suppliers
Supply Calendar
- Spain:May, Jun, Jul, Aug, SepMediterranean summer season supplying Europe; overlaps with other Southern European origins
- Morocco:Apr, May, JunEarly-season window into Europe before peak Spanish volumes
- Brazil (Northeast export region):Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, JanCounter-seasonal supply into Europe when Mediterranean production is limited
- Guatemala:Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, MarWinter supply for North America and some European programs; often aligns with Honduras/Costa Rica regional supply
- Honduras:Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, MarRegional winter supply, especially for the United States
- Mexico:Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, MayOff-season and shoulder-season supply to the United States relative to peak US summer production
- United States:Jun, Jul, Aug, SepPeak domestic supply window; import demand typically rises outside this period
Specification
Major VarietiesCantaloupe / muskmelon (Cucumis melo, netted types), Honeydew (Cucumis melo, smooth-skin types), Galia-type melons (Cucumis melo), Charentais-type melons (Cucumis melo), Piel de Sapo / Santa Claus-type melons (Cucumis melo), Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus)
Physical Attributes
- Sweetness and aroma are key buying attributes, with external appearance used as a proxy for internal eating quality
- Rind condition (absence of cracks, sunburn, scuffing) and uniform shape/size strongly influence export acceptance
- Some melon types have netted rinds that can increase surface contamination risk and require stronger sanitation control in packing and fresh-cut operations
Compositional Metrics
- Soluble solids (°Brix) is commonly used in buyer specifications to indicate sweetness
- Maturity indicators vary by type (e.g., slip stage for some muskmelons; ground spot and firmness cues for watermelon)
Grades
- UNECE FFV standards for melons and watermelons commonly referenced in international trade (Class Extra, Class I, Class II)
Packaging
- Single-layer cartons or reusable plastic crates (RPCs) with size/count labeling for retail programs
- Bulk bins for domestic wholesale in producing countries; export programs typically use cartons for damage control and traceability
- Net bags and tray packs used in some retail formats depending on size and market preference
ProcessingFresh-cut melon is widely traded in domestic markets; strict sanitation, temperature control, and short code dates are required due to elevated microbial risk after cutting
Supply Chain
Value Chain
- Harvest at target maturity -> field sorting -> packhouse grading/packing -> pre-cooling where applicable -> refrigerated transport -> import distribution -> retail merchandising
- For some programs: harvest -> packing -> sea freight in reefer containers -> destination distribution (limited transit-time tolerance vs. hardier fruit categories)
- Fresh-cut channel: whole fruit receiving -> wash/sanitize -> cutting/dicing -> packaging (often MAP) -> chilled distribution
Demand Drivers
- Summer and warm-weather consumption patterns in major import markets, with year-round availability supported by counter-seasonal sourcing
- Retail preference for consistent sweetness, size/count, and attractive rind appearance in pre-programmed supply contracts
- Growth of convenience formats (fresh-cut, mixed fruit cups) in foodservice and retail deli categories
Temperature
- Cold-chain continuity is critical to slow decay and maintain texture, but target temperatures vary by melon type due to chilling-injury sensitivity
- Fresh-cut melon requires strict refrigeration and rapid distribution due to higher microbial and quality deterioration risk after cutting
Atmosphere Control
- Modified-atmosphere packaging (MAP) is more common for fresh-cut products than for whole melons; whole-fruit controlled-atmosphere use is less standardized and program-specific
Shelf Life
- Whole-fruit shelf life varies significantly by type and maturity at harvest; over-mature fruit increases shrink and food-safety exposure in downstream handling
- Fresh-cut melon has a materially shorter shelf life than whole fruit and is more sensitive to temperature abuse
Risks
Food Safety HighMelons (particularly certain types and fresh-cut products) have a documented history of foodborne illness outbreaks, and contamination events can trigger recalls, import alerts, and immediate buyer delistings that disrupt trade programs across multiple origins.Strengthen GAP/GHP, hygienic design and sanitation in packing and fresh-cut facilities, validated wash/sanitize controls where permitted, strict temperature control, and rapid traceability/recall readiness.
Climate MediumHeat waves, drought, and irrigation constraints can sharply reduce yields and internal eating quality (sweetness/texture), increasing volatility in export availability and contract fulfillment risk for counter-seasonal programs.Diversify origin windows, monitor water allocation and heat-stress forecasts, and use quality-based acceptance plans that account for seasonal variability.
Pests And Diseases MediumCucurbit pests and diseases (including viral complexes, fungal diseases, and quarantine-regulated organisms) can reduce marketable yield and trigger phytosanitary restrictions or heightened inspection regimes in importing markets.Implement integrated pest management (IPM), robust field scouting, and phytosanitary certification aligned to importing-country requirements.
Logistics MediumTransit delays, temperature abuse, and handling damage can cause internal breakdown, decay, and rapid loss of saleable life, increasing claims and shrink in long-distance trade lanes.Use validated packaging and palletization, maintain continuous temperature monitoring, and align harvest maturity with planned transit times and merchandising windows.
Regulatory Compliance MediumDifferences in pesticide maximum residue limits (MRLs), labeling/traceability requirements, and phytosanitary protocols across major importing markets can lead to border rejections and program disruptions.Operate to the strictest relevant MRLs for target markets, maintain auditable spray records, and use pre-export testing and compliant phytosanitary documentation.
Sustainability
- Irrigation water demand and water-stress exposure in arid and semi-arid producing regions (yield and quality sensitivity to heat and drought)
- Plastic use (mulch films, packaging) and end-of-life waste management in intensive horticulture systems
- Food loss and waste risk due to seasonal gluts, cosmetic standards, and perishability during long-distance distribution
Labor & Social
- Seasonal and migrant labor reliance in intensive horticulture; scrutiny on wages, housing, and working hours in some export regions
- Worker heat stress and occupational safety risks during harvest and packing in hot climates
FAQ
Which countries are major exporters of fresh melons in global trade?Major export suppliers commonly include Spain (for the EU summer season), Central American origins such as Guatemala and Honduras (for winter programs), Brazil (counter-seasonal supply into Europe), Mexico (especially into the United States), and Morocco (early-season supply into Europe). Trade rankings vary by melon type and season and are typically tracked in ITC Trade Map.
What is the biggest trade-disrupting risk for fresh melons?Food-safety incidents are the most trade-disruptive risk because outbreaks linked to melons can trigger recalls, import alerts, and rapid buyer delistings. This risk is well documented by food-safety authorities such as the U.S. FDA/CDC and European food-safety bodies.
What standards are commonly referenced for melon quality in international trade?UNECE fresh produce standards for melons and watermelons are commonly used as a reference point in international transactions, including class-based conventions (e.g., Class Extra, Class I, Class II) and defect tolerances.
Sources
Fresh Melon Country Coverage for Suppliers, Export Flows, and Prices
Explore country-level Fresh Melon market pages for supplier coverage, trade flows, and price benchmarks.
All country market pages: Malaysia, Netherlands, Turkiye, Canada, Costa Rica, United Kingdom, Italy, United Arab Emirates, Greece, Uzbekistan, Egypt, Iran, Kazakhstan, Singapore, Japan, Portugal, Belgium, Switzerland, Indonesia, Poland, Sweden, Thailand, Austria, Australia, Kenya, Argentina, Colombia, South Korea, Norway, Panama, Russia, Ukraine, South Africa, Kyrgyzstan, Peru, Denmark, Hungary, Serbia, Jordan, Nigeria, Hong Kong, Ireland, Senegal, Tanzania, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Romania, Myanmar [Burma], Philippines, Lithuania, Maldives, Belarus, Vietnam, Qatar, Oman, Bulgaria, Bahrain, Tajikistan, New Zealand, Ecuador, Kuwait, Latvia, Finland, Czechia, Albania, Luxembourg, Dominican Republic, Montenegro, Macao, Taiwan, Chile, Croatia, Azerbaijan, Ethiopia, Moldova, Slovenia, Brunei, Barbados, Estonia, Paraguay, Andorra, Armenia, Aruba, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Benin, Bermuda, Bolivia, Bahamas, Bhutan, Botswana, Belize, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Cuba, Cyprus, Fiji, Falkland Islands, Gabon, Georgia, Iraq, Iceland, Jamaica, Cambodia, Laos, Sri Lanka, Liberia, Lesotho, Macedonia, Mongolia, Malta, Mauritius, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nicaragua, Nepal, Slovakia, El Salvador, Swaziland, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Zambia, Zimbabwe
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