Pomelos & Grapefruits Production by Country 2024

Pomelos and grapefruits, two citrus fruits often grouped together by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), play a significant role in global agriculture. The FAO categorizes these fruits together because grapefruits are believed to be a hybrid of the pomelo and sweet orange, leading to similarities in their cultivation and economic importance. In 2022, the global production of pomelos and grapefruits reached an impressive 9.7 million tons. These fruits are highly valued for their refreshing taste, nutritional benefits, and versatility in culinary uses, making them popular across diverse markets worldwide. This article explores the leading producers of pomelos and grapefruits, their per capita production, and the trends in global production over the years.

Top 10 Leading Pomelos and Grapefruits Producing Countries

1. China: 5,150,000 Tons
2. Vietnam: 1,142,581 Tons
3. Mexico: 489,101 Tons
4. South Africa: 420,176 Tons
5. United States of America: 339,290 Tons
6. Sudan: 286,307 Tons
7. Thailand: 270,525 Tons
8. Turkey: 198,000 Tons
9. Israel: 176,638 Tons
10. Syria: 163,981 Tons

China and Vietnam dominate global pomelos and grapefruits production, contributing significantly to the overall market. China, the largest producer by far, generates over 5 million tons annually, accounting for more than half of the world’s output. This massive production is driven by the country’s extensive citrus farming regions, particularly in southern provinces. Vietnam, the second-largest producer, contributes over 1.1 million tons, benefiting from favorable climatic conditions and an established agricultural tradition. Both countries are key suppliers to global markets, with their products in high demand for both domestic consumption and export.

The remaining top producers, including Mexico, South Africa, and the United States, each contribute between 300,000 and 500,000 tons annually. Mexico’s production is concentrated in the tropical regions, while South Africa and the United States benefit from diverse climates that support citrus farming. These countries have well-developed agricultural sectors and infrastructure, allowing them to maintain strong production levels. Their outputs, though smaller than those of China and Vietnam, are critical for meeting the global demand for pomelos and grapefruits.

Top 10 Countries With Highest Pomelos & Grapefruits Production Per Capita

1. Dominica: 266.01 Kg per person
2. Bahamas: 56.08 Kg per person
3. Eswatini: 40.62 Kg per person
4. Israel: 18.59 Kg per person
5. Jamaica: 15.21 Kg per person
6. Grenada: 12.67 Kg per person
7. Cyprus: 11.77 Kg per person
8. Vietnam: 11.54 Kg per person
9. Belize: 10.39 Kg per person
10. Tunisia: 8.54 Kg per person

Dominica leads the world in pomelos and grapefruits production per capita, with an impressive 266.01 kg per person, reflecting the country’s small population and focused citrus cultivation. The Bahamas and Eswatini also show high per capita production, emphasizing the importance of these fruits in their agricultural economies. Other countries like Israel and Vietnam, which are major global producers, also have high per capita production, indicating the significance of pomelos and grapefruits in their domestic consumption and export markets.

Pomelos & Grapefruits Production Over the Years

Global pomelos and grapefruits production has seen substantial growth over the past six decades. From a modest 2.1 million tons in 1961, production has surged to nearly 9.8 million tons by 2022. This growth can be attributed to several factors, including expanding global demand, improved agricultural practices, and the introduction of high-yielding varieties. Additionally, the increasing awareness of the health benefits associated with these fruits has fueled consumption, leading to greater investment in citrus farming. The production increase reflects the rising popularity of pomelos and grapefruits worldwide, both as fresh fruit and as an ingredient in various products.

Full table

FAQs

• Which country is the largest producer of pomelos?
  • China

Source

• FAO – Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations