Market
Fresh lychee is a strategic seasonal export fruit for Madagascar, organized through an annual export campaign coordinated by the lychee exporters’ group (GEL) and public authorities. Export supply is concentrated on the east coast, especially in Atsinanana and Analanjirofo, with logistics centered on the Port of Toamasina. The campaign is typically launched around November and is executed in a short, high-throughput loading window to supply Europe for year-end demand. Market access depends heavily on phytosanitary compliance and sulphur dioxide residue management, while cyclone impacts on the east coast/Toamasina can abruptly disrupt harvest, packing, and port operations.
Market RoleMajor producer and seasonal exporter (Europe-focused export campaign; majority of production remains domestic)
Domestic RoleCollection-based smallholder fruit sector supplying domestic consumption while channeling a defined seasonal share into export programs
Market GrowthMixed (medium-term outlook)mature European market with diversification efforts toward new destinations and value-added processing
SeasonalityThe export campaign is typically announced around November and executed in a short loading window, with European sales concentrated in December–January.
Risks
Climate HighEast-coast cyclones can severely disrupt or halt the Madagascar lychee export campaign by damaging orchards and infrastructure and disabling Toamasina—the key logistics hub/port for lychee exports; Cyclone Gezani (February 2026) caused major destruction in Toamasina and widespread disruption.Build contingency into campaign schedules, diversify collection routes where feasible, pre-position packaging/reefer resources, and maintain an emergency port-operation plan for weather disruptions.
Regulatory Compliance HighEurope-bound fresh lychee shipments require strict SPS compliance, including a phytosanitary certificate and successful EU documentary/identity/plant health checks; missing/incorrect documentation or pest findings can trigger delays, rejection, or market access disruptions.Align export documentation to EU entry requirements, run pre-shipment inspections under the national plant protection authority, and use importer checklists for document consistency before port loading.
Food Safety MediumMadagascar lychee exports commonly rely on sulphur dioxide (SO2) post-harvest treatment for sea shipment; non-compliance with residue expectations (MRL) can cause border issues and reputational damage.Implement GSAC controls end-to-end (sulphuring protocols, monitoring, and records) and use independent lab testing (e.g., CTHT-linked services) before departure and upon arrival programs where applicable.
Logistics MediumThe export campaign is time-compressed (high volumes loaded over a few days) and dependent on Toamasina port throughput and reefer logistics; congestion, equipment shortfalls, or sailing delays can quickly degrade fruit quality.Secure reefer/container allocations early, coordinate berth and loading slots with SPAT and carriers, and use staggered collection/packing schedules to reduce peak bottlenecks.
Sustainability- Cyclone exposure on the east coast during the wet-season window creates recurrent systemic disruption risk for harvest, roads, power, and port operations tied to lychee exports.
- Waterlogging/flood impacts can damage orchards and impede rapid evacuation of highly perishable fruit to Toamasina during the short campaign.
Labor & Social- Madagascar has documented high prevalence of child labor in agriculture; lychee collection-based supply chains should apply enhanced due diligence to prevent child labor and other labor-rights breaches.
- Worker health and safety is an explicit sector theme referenced in GEL/industry communications (health and safety charter and training/awareness activities).
Standards- GLOBALG.A.P. (commonly referenced in exporter certification narratives)
- GRASP (social practice add-on often paired with GLOBALG.A.P. for farm-level social risk screening)
- HACCP / food safety management expectations for packing/conditioning operations (buyer and market-access driven)
- GSAC (sector self-control system guide for managing SO2 residue/MRL compliance)
FAQ
When does Madagascar’s fresh lychee export season typically start, and when is it sold in Europe?Industry campaign material indicates the season is usually officially announced in November, with the export campaign executed in a short loading window and European sales concentrated around December to January.
Which regions in Madagascar are most associated with export-grade fresh lychee supply?Industry sources identify a strong concentration of export supply on the east coast, particularly in the Atsinanana and Analanjirofo regions, due to their access to Toamasina and export logistics infrastructure.
What are the two most important compliance checks for Europe-bound Madagascar lychees?Europe-bound shipments commonly hinge on (1) phytosanitary compliance, including the phytosanitary certificate and EU plant health checks at entry, and (2) sulphur dioxide residue management for sulphured lychees, supported by sector self-control measures and routine residue analyses.