Overview of Morocco’s Berry Export Boosted by Global Demand

New blueberry plantations in Morocco are expected to come into production during the season 2022/23 resulting in higher production volumes and ultimately more export volume. The harvest commenced in November 2022 and the peak season started in January 2023. There is normally high demand for blueberries during the Christmas, Valentine's Day, and Easter periods, and Morocco is ideally positioned to supply berries during these high-demand periods according to Tridge Insight data.

Source: Tridge

Fresh blueberries have accounted for 28% of Morocco's growth in fresh fruit exports since 2016 and are now the country's second-most valuable fruit export, with the majority of shipments taking place from January to May. The EU is by far the largest market, accounting for more than 80% in value and volume. Morocco's shipments to the EU overlap with supplies from Peru and Chile at the start of the season and with EU supplies at the end of the season, competing mainly with Spain. Morocco has risen to become a key EU supplier, with a 23% market share (27,000 MT), surpassing Chile to become the EU's second-largest supplier after Peru in 2021. Even though most of its exports are to the EU, its markets are diverse. Shipments to all other countries account for only 15% of total exports, but they reach the UK, their second-largest market, and at least 30 different countries worldwide.

Share of Export Destinations for Morocco's Raspberries

Source: Tridge

Morocco's raspberry production is concentrated in the north but has spread further south to the semi-arid Souss-Massa region, with the growing season lasting from October to May. Raspberries, Morocco's third-most valuable fruit export, have accounted for 24% of the growth in fruit exports since 2016. Though shipments take place all year, the primary export season runs from September to June, when they have a sole presence in the EU market. The EU is the most important market for Moroccan traders, accounting for more than 80% of the total volume and value of exports in 2021 (34,000MT valued at USD 217M). The UK is Morocco's third-largest export market, accounting for nearly 18% of total raspberry exports in 2021 (valued at USD 77.21M). Read more on Morocco's raspberry export here.

Monthly Harvest Calendar for Fresh Strawberry in Morocco

Source: Tridge

Strawberry production in Morocco grew by more than 50% in the previous decade, concentrated in the irrigated areas of Gharb and Loukkos, increasing from 111,000 MT to 167,000 MT. Strawberries have accounted for 8% of Morocco's increase in fruit exports since 2016. Strawberry exports to the world (fresh and frozen) increased by 4% in value from USD 107M (72,241 MT) in 2016 to USD 173M (85,136 MT) in 2021, in direct response to overseas demand from the EU and UK. Exports are most common between October and March. The EU is the top export market, accounting for 83% of total exports, with the UK being a distant second at 12%.

Tridge presents an extensive online supplier directory, helping traders find suitable offers, like blueberries from Morocco, that Tridge’s on-the-field managers verify. Morocco has several suppliers that can provide quality berries with ISO 22000, BRC, Global, IFS, and other quality standard certifications. Besides quality standards, a short overview of production capacity is given in the supplier directory, with extinguishing features for every supplier.

Morocco's geographical proximity provides traders a window of opportunity over other EU exporters, such as Chile and Mexico. Although its exports are concentrated in the EU, Morocco is expanding its reach. While exports to the EU have decreased in the last two years, the decrease has been more than offset by increased shipments to other markets such as Canada, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates.