Mexican watermelon shipments hit 1.199 million tons at the end of November 2023, exceeding the annual totals for 2021 and 2022.
If this upward trend continues, it could be among the top 10 producing countries, according to Mexico’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
The U.S. is the largest importer, showing the quality reputation obtained in terms of quality, health and safety, coupled with the effort and commitment of the producers, the ministry said.
Data from the Agri-Food and Fisheries Information Service (SIAP) indicate that the volume of the penultimate month of last year represents an increase of 0.4 and 1.8 percent compared to the 1.194 million tons and 1.177 million tons reported in 2021 and 2022, respectively.
Sonora was the largest producing state – of the 27 that cultivate the fruit – contributing 373,084 tons from January to November 2023.
Chihuahua follows, with 143,229 tons; then Jalisco, 102,795 tons; Veracruz, 94,096 tons; and Campeche, with 80,058 tons, the latter entity went from ninth position in 2022, with 36,985 tons, to fifth place.
On the other hand, the ministry indicated that the participation of watermelon amounts to 4.7 percent in national production and annual per capita consumption in the country is 3.5 kilograms.
The above because – according to specialists – watermelon is one of the healthiest fruits as it has water that makes it ideal against dehydration and is very refreshing in hot weather, it has vitamins A, B and C and helps strengthen the immune system.
The federal agency pointed out that, in addition, the greater volume of watermelon has allowed volumes exceeding 700,000 tons per year to be allocated abroad, where the United States is the largest importer, with an amount of $153 million in 2022.
Japan, Canada, Belize, Cuba, Colombia, and the UAE are also among the destination countries for Mexican watermelon, a fruit that belongs to the cucurbit family and is characterized by its red pulp and sweet flavor, he explained.