"According to forecasts of November 1st, 2024, French melon production is estimated at 301,000 tons for the 2024 campaign, which is 9,900 tons less than in 2023 (-3%). Prices were dynamic in August, but dropped below the 2019-2023 average (-16%) in September, against a backdrop of unfavourable weather for consumption," according to the Agreste economic outlook.
Lower yields than in 2023
National melon acreage for the 2024 season is set to increase by 1% from last year, to 12,900 hectares. This is 1% below the 2019-2023 average. National melon production is estimated at 301,000 tons in 2024, with yields down in all production basins. Production is expected to decrease by 3% from last year, with a more marked reduction in the Center-West and South-West basins (-6%). However, production is expected to be 8% higher than the five-year average, with positive trends in all the main production areas.
The 2024 season was characterized by a delay in production, which extended beyond mid-July, with fruit ripening hampered by the lack of sunshine and dampness in the spring.
Unfavourable weather conditions for consumption
Volumes rose in July, following a month of particularly low production in June due to unfavourable weather. The demand was not very active and prices were lower than in 2023 and the five-year average for the same month (-14% and -6%, respectively). In August, the better weather and lower availability increased the demand at the start of the month. Prices were firm and well oriented. In September, supply remained strong but the demand was weak due to autumn weather conditions, so prices dropped below the five-year average (-16%).
Between January and September 2024, melon exports (31,200 tons) and imports (121,400 tons) were down by 7% and 2% respectively, compared to the same period last year, with a virtually stable foreign trade deficit in volume terms.
Source: agreste.agriculture.gouv.fr
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