Melon Season Has Begun with Increased Exports and Sharp Decline in Imports

Compared to last year, melon imports have fallen by 51 percent, which means that melon growers are able to meet domestic demand and also export, said the Minister of Agriculture on Friday in Ecser (Central Hungary), adding that the Hungarian melon season is starting with good quality melons.

István Nagy stated at a press conference held at Lidl Hungary’s logistics center that currently more than 1,300 farmers grow watermelons and 310 grow cantaloupes. The number of watermelon growers has increased by nine percent compared to last year, while the number of cantaloupe growers has increased by fifteen percent.

Currently, watermelons are grown on 3,590 hectares and cantaloupes on 707 hectares; the area under watermelon cultivation has remained steady, while cantaloupe cultivation has increased by 62% compared to last year,”

the Minister of Agriculture said.

Watermelon production volume in Hungary from 2000 to 2024. Photo: KSH/ NAK/ Magyar Dinnyetermelők Egyesülete/Nemzeti Archívum/ MTI

Nagy also stated that Hungary still has potential for melon exports, with Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Poland being the main target countries. Yellow melon exports increased by 31 percent last year compared to the previous year, he added.

Nagy said that supermarkets account for 60-65 percent of domestic trade in watermelons, while markets, greengrocers, and roadside sales account for 35-40 percent. He added that the annual per capita consumption of watermelons is 10-12 kilograms, while that of cantaloupes ranges between 1.5 and 2.2 kilograms.

The National Authority for Trade and Consumer Protection (NKFH) and government officials are checking the quality of watermelons and the labels on their packaging across the country, paying special attention to false or misleading information about their origin. The process covers the cleanliness, ripeness, shape, and quality classification of the fruit and extends to wholesale and retail outlets, including temporary roadside stalls, where particular attention is paid to hygiene conditions. Sellers must provide hand washing facilities and are advised to use rubber gloves when cutting products. If necessary, the NKFH may prohibit the distribution of defective products, impose fines, and continue to monitor the quality of fruit and vegetables to protect consumers.

Fuel Prices Drop as MOL Switches to Daily Pricing System