Portugal Opens up for Import of Fresh Peaches and Nectarines from Morocco

Published 2022년 5월 10일

Portugal’s market is highly dependent on Spanish peach and nectarine, with almost 98% imported quantities for MY 2021. This year, stone fruit production in Spain was hit hard by frost in March and April, especially the early season varieties of peach and nectarine. It caused low quality and variations in the size of the fruits. With the price of Spanish peach and nectarines reaching USD 2.12/kg and limited supply, there are new opportunities for Moroccan peach and nectarine suppliers to expand their share In the Portuguese market. The proximity of Portugal and the price of Morocco's peach and nectarine USD 1.63/kg, will positively influence export growth.

Source: TradeMap

An opportunity opens up for Moroccan peach and nectarine in Portuguese supermarkets. Due to frost damage to peaches and nectarines in Spain at the end of March and beginning of April, a small-caliber of fruits with lower quality is present on the market. Northern Spain, which traditionally supplies the Portuguese market, was particularly affected. Low supply caused a higher price in W1 of April with a 22.89% WoW increase to USD 2.12/kg.

For CY2022, the Moroccan producers expect to have a better result in the production of peaches and nectarines. Geographically orchards of peach and nectarine spread out between Marrakech and the Atlantic Ocean, where climate conditions are excellent. Winter was mild, with no significant weather anomalies, which favored an increase in stone fruit production. Morocco's symbolic quantities of peaches and nectarines went to Portugal in the past. For MY 2021, Morocco has exported around 3.4M mt of peaches and nectarines. Moroccan traders can offer a lower price than Spanish peach, currently around USD 1.63/kg. The only requirement from Portugal is a certificate of quality. In April and May, a small caliber of early varieties is present at the market, favoring suppliers from Morocco, where early types of peach and nectarines are renowned for their quality. Spain is the leading supplier of peaches and nectarines in Portugal. For MY 2021, as much as 98% of imported quantities, more precisely 4.3M mt, came from Spain. However, due to frost damage this year, the offer and quality have been significantly reduced, and at the same time, the price is high for Portuguese traders. The proximity of Portugal, where shipments can be transported quickly and with a lower risk of quality losses, makes it an attractive market for Morocco traders. Also, Portugal is among the top five European countries with the highest consumption of peaches and nectarines (6.75 kg per person).

The current outcome is positive for Morocco growers. Spain is not the only country affected by frost damage. Like Italy and Greece, other Europe suppliers of peach and nectarine have also been hit by frost. Some estimations are that around 40% of peaches and nectarines are damaged, but exact numbers will be published later. One thing is for sure for Portugal consumers, this year price of fresh peach and nectarines will be higher than last year.