In 2016, the number of Spanish companies exporting melons declined for the second consecutive year. However, melon exports achieved a record in volume and value, according to data that Hortoinfo produced from the statistical service Estacom (Icex- Tax Agency), code 080719 of the Tariff Integrated of the European Communities - TARIC.
601 Spanish companies exported melons in 2016; in 2015 there were 615 companies, and in 2014 there were 622 Spanish companies exporting melons.
The total volume exported in 2016 amounted to 444.37 million kilos, the highest amount achieved in the history of Spanish melon exports, and 19.49 percent more than ten years ago, when the country exported 374.41 million kilos of melons.
The value achieved, 303.4 million euro, i.e. 35.51 percent more than the 223.89 million euro achieved in 2007, was also a historical record.
The average price of the melons exported in 2016 was 0.683 euro per kilo, which was higher than 0.635 euro per kilo average of the last ten years and the highest price in the last three years. The price has been relatively stable over the decade. It's highest peak was registered in 2013 with a record of 0,703 euro per kilo. The lowest price took place in 2009, when the price was sold at 0,575 euro per kilo.
Destinations
In 2016, France and Germany have bought half of the melons that Spain exported.
France was the biggest destination, as it purchased a total of 120,08 million kilograms of Spanish melon, and the highest paying market. France bought 27.02 percent of the melons exported by Spain. In 2016 the total value of melon sales to France amounted to 97.19 million euro, an the average price stood at 0.809 euro per kilo. 297 Spanish companies export melon to France.
Germany was the second biggest destination for Spanish melon, in terms of volume. In 2016, Germany purchased a total of 104,67 million kilograms worth 65,31 million euro, at an average price of 0,624 euro per kilo. 215 Spanish companies sold melons to Germany in 2016.
The United Kingdom was the third biggest destination. Last year, UK purchased a total of 57.65 million kilos for 35,78 million euro, at an average price of 0,621 €/ kg, in operations carried out by 115 companies.
The Netherlands ranks fourth, with 53.08 million kilograms of melons, 32,54 million euro, and an average of 0.613 euro per kilo price. 145 companies sold melons to the Netherlands in the past year.
The fifth largest customer was Portugal, which purchased in 45.86 million kilos worth 25.42 million euros, at an average price of 0,554 euro per kilo. 152 Spanish companies sold melons to Portugal.
Source: hortoinfo.es