Asia: the world’s melon capital

Asia is home to some of the world’s most expensive melons, with the Yubari King variety from Japan’s Shizuoka prefecture fetching up to several hundred dollars on the market. Latest FAO data shows that Asia accounts for nearly 69% of global melon production. China is by far the leading producer, growing nearly 14 million tons of melons in 2020. But the Chinese appetite for melons is so great, that it consumes more than it produces. Consumption in China amounts to around 17 million tons per year, which corresponds to 53% of the global supply. Global melon sales generated over $27 billion in 2018.