Brazilian Melon Exports Surged in August, Owing to Rising European Demand

Published 2023년 10월 10일

Driven by increased European demand, mainly from the UK and the Netherlands, Brazilian melon exports surged by 454% in Aug-23, reaching 5,910 mt. The total export value reached USD 69.02 million in H1-23. The surge highlights the importance of melons, second only to mangoes, in Brazil's agricultural exports. However, expanding cultivation areas may impact traditional farming communities and small agroecological farmers.

In Aug-23, Brazilian melon exports experienced a significant surge, marking a robust start to the 2023/24 season. The volume of exports reached approximately 5,910 metric tons (mt), a staggering 454% increase compared to the same period last year. This surge can be attributed to the rising demand from Europe, primarily the United Kingdom (UK) and the Netherlands, which accounted for 48% and 41% of total exports in Aug-23, respectively, according to data released by the Secretariat of Foreign Trade (Secex).

The shift in demand towards Brazilian melons is attributed to the limited supply of European melons – which were mainly from Spain – due to adverse weather. This situation has created an opportunity for Brazilian exporters to fill the gap in the market, leading to the observed export surge. Brazilian melons dominated in August. The total export value of Brazilian melons in H1-23 was USD 69.02 million, a significant increase compared to last year.

Share of Export Destinations of Melon from Brazil in 2022

Source: Tridge

In 2022, the Brazilian melon export value was USD 156.3 million, a decrease of 5.31% year-over-year (YoY) compared to the previous year, with the Netherlands, the UK, and Spain taking a lavish share of 88.70% of export destinations with a combined value of USD 138.63 million. In H1-23, the export value of Brazilian melons amounted to USD 69.02 million, a 17.54% YoY surge compared to the same period last year. Adverse weather affecting Southern European melon production in Spain, Italy, and Greece contributed to soaring results for Brazil's melons.

Brazilian melon exports are expected to continue their upward trajectory in September, surpassing the export volumes in 2022. This trend is a testament to the growing importance of melons, ranking second only to mangoes, in the Brazilian agricultural sector's exports. The main markets for these exports are the European Union (EU), the UK, and the United States (US).

If Brazil is to meet the increasing demand, particularly from new markets like China, it must double the current 20,000 hectares (ha) of area dedicated to melon cultivation. This expansion will likely amplify the impacts on regions such as the Chapada do Apodi, potentially affecting traditional farming communities and small agroecological farmers.

The surge in Brazilian melon exports in August indicates the dynamic nature of global fruit markets. While it presents an opportunity for Brazilian exporters, it also underscores the need for sustainable and equitable agricultural practices to ensure the sector's long-term viability. Tridge expects that robust export figures of Brazilian melon will continue to climb, exceeding results from 2022 and mark a successful season 2023/24 for Brazilian traders.