Top Pomelo and Grapefruit Producing Countries

Pomelo (Citrus maxima) and grapefruit (Citrus × paradisi) are citrus fruits with intertwined histories and overlapping cultivation regions. Pomelo, native to Southeast Asia, has been farmed for thousands of years in countries like Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Malaysia, where it remains a staple fruit. Grapefruit, on the other hand, originated in the 18th century in Barbados as a natural hybrid between the pomelo and sweet orange; its commercial cultivation spread rapidly in subtropical regions. Today, China leads the world in pomelo production, while the United States—particularly Florida and Texas—is the top producer of grapefruit, followed by China, Vietnam, and Mexico. The global spread of these fruits was facilitated by trade and botanical exchanges during the colonial era, with pomelo introduced to the West via European explorers and grapefruit gaining popularity in North America and the Caribbean in the 19th and 20th centuries. Both fruits are now valued worldwide for their refreshing flavor and nutritional benefits.

Data from United Nations FAO Stat