World watermelon production hits new record

In 2024, the world watermelon harvest reached a historic high of 104.96 million tons. This is 551 thousand tons more than a year earlier, despite a reduction in the total area under this crop by 17.74 thousand hectares to 3.05 million hectares.

China remains the undisputed leader in the industry, providing 60.51% of world production (63.51 million tons). The top five producers also included India, Turkey, Algeria and Brazil. Spain took 13th place in the world, increasing production to 1.22 million tons.

The European market is experiencing mixed trends: while Spain and Turkey are increasing volumes, Italy and Morocco are showing a decline. Morocco reduced production by 121.67 thousand tons, continuing a downward trend that has been ongoing since 2021. Turkey, on the other hand, showed an increase in efficiency, obtaining 50.1 thousand tons more harvest even with a decrease in area.

“In 2024, the highest figure in history was harvested — 104,959.43 million kg,” the report said, based on FAOSTAT data.