Core Insights - China is the world's largest producer and consumer of watermelons, with an annual production of approximately 60 million tons, accounting for about 60% of global output [1] - The average annual watermelon consumption per person in China is nearly 100 pounds [1] - Henan province is the leading region for watermelon cultivation, with an area of around 3 million acres and an annual production exceeding 10 million tons [1][3] Production and Cultivation - In Henan, over half of the watermelons are grown in open fields, while greenhouse cultivation covers nearly 1.5 million acres [3] - The average yield of watermelons in Henan exceeds 3,000 kilograms per acre, which is more than double the global average [3] - Advanced agricultural techniques, such as drip irrigation, are employed to enhance precision in irrigation and fertilization [4] Market Trends - In the northern Henan region, particularly in Yan Jin County, farmers are busy harvesting and preparing for a projected market supply of 14,000 tons of watermelons by summer 2025 [2] - In Beijing's Daxing District, a new trend of vertical watermelon cultivation is emerging, with smaller, early-maturing varieties gaining popularity [6][7] Quality and Sweetness - The sugar content of watermelons has increased over the years, with new varieties achieving sugar levels around 13%, compared to 10% in the 1970s [18] - The 2025 watermelons are expected to be sweeter, with improved cultivation techniques contributing to this enhancement [10][21] - The Daxing District has produced record-breaking watermelons, with one weighing 97.75 kilograms, showcasing the potential for larger fruit [11][12] Research and Development - The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences is at the forefront of watermelon breeding, having developed over 50 new varieties and significantly shortening the breeding cycle from 6-8 years to 2-3 years [14][15] - Ongoing research focuses on enhancing the flavor and overall quality of watermelons, addressing consumer preferences for sweetness, texture, and appearance [20][21] Consumer Preferences - There is a growing demand for smaller watermelons, around 2-3 pounds, to cater to families and reduce waste [21] - Consumers are encouraged to select watermelons based on visual and auditory cues to ensure ripeness and quality [22]

Core Insights - China is the world's largest producer and consumer of watermelons, with an annual production of approximately 60 million tons, accounting for about 60% of global output [1] - The average annual watermelon consumption per person in China is nearly 100 pounds [1] - Henan province is the largest watermelon planting area in China, with around 3 million acres and an annual production of over 10 million tons [1][4] Production and Cultivation - In the northern part of Henan province, farmers are busy selecting, picking, and loading watermelons, with an expected market supply of 14,000 tons in the summer of 2025 [3] - More than half of the watermelons grown in Henan are open-field varieties, while greenhouse cultivation covers nearly 1.5 million acres [4] - The average yield of watermelons in Henan exceeds 3,000 kilograms per acre, which is more than double the global average [4] Technological Advancements - Drip irrigation technology is being utilized in some open-field watermelon farms in Henan to achieve precise irrigation and fertilization [5] - The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences has developed over 50 new watermelon varieties through advanced breeding techniques, significantly improving sugar content from around 10% to approximately 13% over the past 50 years [22][28] Market Trends - There is a growing preference for smaller watermelons, around 3 pounds, particularly in urban areas where families are smaller [9][34] - The demand for watermelons that are sweet, thin-skinned, visually appealing, and easy to store is increasing among consumers [32] Quality and Taste - The sugar content of watermelons is expected to be higher in 2025 compared to previous years, with a focus on enhancing overall flavor and texture [11][31] - The cultivation of watermelons has evolved to include methods that improve taste and reduce waste, potentially leading to significant economic benefits across the industry [40]