（1Institute of Agricultural Economics and Development， Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences， Beijing
100081， China； 2Institute of Rural Economy， Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences， Shenyang 110161， Liaoning，
China）
Abstract：China is the largest producer of watermelon〔Citrullus lanatus（Thunb.）Matsum．
et Nakai〕in the world，and watermelon has played more and more important role in residents’ food
consumption. On the basis of analyzing present situation and characteristics of watermelon consumption
in China，this paper carries out empirical studies on the factors affecting watermelon consumption．The
results show that the current watermelon consumption has not formed‘ ratchet effect’，the price and
income level per capita exert great influence on watermelon consumption．Before ending，this paper
puts forward relevant countermeasures for extending watermelon consumption market.
