Australian melon production down but exports help lift value

Published Apr 2, 2024

Tridge summary

The Australian melon industry has experienced a decrease in production for the second consecutive year, with a 7% drop in 2023, bringing the total to 226,022 tonnes. Despite this, the financial value of the industry has increased, reaching $248.2 million, with exports slightly declining in volume but growing in value. The industry is investing in its future, with over $1.428 million allocated to research and development for the 2022/23 period through the Hort Innovation Melon Fund, supported by $678,065 in levies from melon producers. Queensland leads in watermelon production, contributing to 34% of the national output. The industry's strategic plan for 2022-26 focuses on aligning future investments with industry priorities, aiming to address challenges and capitalize on the growth in financial value.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

AUSTRALIAN melon production experienced its second consecutive year of reduced production volumes. That said, the value of melons increased. According to the 2022/23 Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook, fresh melon production was 7 per cent down year-on-year in 2023, at 226,022 tonnes. In 2022 it dropped by 8pc. The recent figures are a significant fall from 2021 when 262,393t was produced. Though volume was down since 2021, the monetary value melons had lifted to $248.2 million. Of total production, 6pc (12,809t) went to the fresh export market worth $28.5m. This was 1pc down in terms of volume on the previous year but still 4pc up in value. Export volumes have seen a drop since the high of 2019/20 where 21,772t went off shore, with the past three years all hovering around that 12,000t mark. From that total production, 1pc went to processing leaving 93pc to the fresh supply market, worth $263.2m. That fresh supply was then split, with 82pc going to retail, worth $214.8m ...

Source: Farmweekly