Adverse Weather Hampers Moroccan Blueberry Trade In Q1 2023

The cold spell that has afflicted Morocco since the end of 2022 has significantly impacted several crops, including blueberries, which are no longer available on store shelves and whose prices have reached unprecedented highs. Usually, at this period, the blueberry harvest is collected every day in ideal weather conditions, as was the case in March of last year. However, when temperatures plummeted a few weeks ago, harvest intervals were brought down to just once a week. According to expert estimations, this equates to a more than 60% volume reduction in some regions of Morocco.

In these circumstances, Moroccan traders are now coping with increased demand, especially from Russia, which has limited options due to sanctions from the EU. Chile and Peru are reaching the end of their season, affecting the supply of blueberries in the EU market. While Spain and Portugal had similar disadvantages in blueberry production as Morocco, limited supply has increased prices in all EU markets.

Wholesale Prices of Fresh Blueberries in Top Exporting Countries

Source: Tridge

In W2 of March 2023, the wholesale price of fresh blueberries in Poland skyrocketed to USD 12.13/kg, reaching record levels since the start of the year. Compared to the same period last year, the wholesale price of fresh blueberries has soared 353.64% YoY.

Top 10 Trade Flows of Blueberry Exports from Morocco

Source: Tridge

Demand for Moroccan blueberries is currently high, and the main targets will be major EU countries like Germany, Netherlands, Norway, and Spain. The UK also represents a favorable market for Moroccan blueberries. Despite logistical and administrative obstacles, Russia is tempting for exporters due to its high prices. Around 90% of Moroccan export quantities go to Europe, while the other 10% goes to Middle Eastern countries.

Tridge previously reported about new blueberry production in Morocco in the local insights section. It was then stated that new plantations of blueberries coming into production in 2022/23 would lead to increased exports. Since the blueberry harvest in Morocco lasts until June, it remains to be seen if other weather events will hamper or stabilize production. Tridge predictions regarding the volume of blueberries are bearish. In contrast, Moroccan traders can expect increased values of exports due to the rising prices of fresh blueberries.