The Region of Murcia is still one of Europe's largest horticultural producers, as confirmed by recent export data, which bring to light that 47% of Spanish melons marketed overseas are grown in Murcia. During 2013, the Region exported a little over 194,000 tonnes of melons; 87% of its entire production, for which it received 133 million Euro, according to data provided by the Region's Council of Agriculture and Water.
Even though sales volumes have fallen compared to 2012, when 204,000 tonnes were marketed, this has not entailed a drop in revenue; quite the opposite, as it has grown by 10 million Euro. This is due to the gradual increase in prices of Spanish exports over the past decade, of around 19%, while Murcia's have grown by around 58%.
Of the 16 European countries importing Murcia's melons, the main clients have been, in this order: France, Germany, the UK and the Netherlands, which received 84% of all melon exports. Regarding varieties, the most distributed were the Smooth Skin, with 49%, Cantaloupe, with 14% and the Tendral, with 4%.