W11 Strawberry Update: Morocco's Frozen Strawberry Exports Surged to Australia, Brazil's Strawberry Prices Fluctuate Amidst Weather and Pest Challenges, and Spain Accuses Morocco of Contaminated Strawberries

Published Mar 22, 2024

In W11 in the strawberry landscape, Morocco ranks among the top five exporters of frozen strawberries to Australia, increasing exports by 84% from 2019 to 2023. Spain claims Moroccan strawberries are contaminated, but Morocco denies this. Brazil's strawberry prices fluctuate due to high temperatures and phytosanitary issues. Lastly, a Korean company uses smart farm technology to grow strawberries in Vietnam, overcoming challenges like humidity, light, diseases, and pests.

Morocco Ranks Among Top Suppliers of Frozen Strawberries to Australia

According to the report released on Mar-24, Morocco ranks among the top five exporters of frozen strawberries to the Australian market. Furthermore, it was reported that from 2019 to 2023, Morocco increased its exports of frozen strawberries to Australia by 84% to reach 850 tons, while Egypt's exports more than tripled to reach 530 tons, placing them in fourth and fifth place, respectively. The two countries follow China, Chile, and Belgium in Australian strawberry imports. Chilean strawberry exports to Australia have declined by a third over the past five years, but Chile remains the second largest exporter.

Dispute Arises Between Spain and Morocco Over Contaminated Strawberries

A disagreement has emerged between Spain and Morocco regarding the export of strawberries. According to the European Commission's Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF), Spain claims that Moroccan strawberries are contaminated with Hepatitis A and Norovirus. However, Morocco's Ministry of Agriculture and its food safety agency, the National Office for Sanitary Safety of Food Products (ONSSA), have denied these allegations. They have also threatened legal action against those spreading what they view as false and damaging information about Morocco's agricultural reputation.

Strawberry Prices Fluctuate in Brazil Due to Weather and Phytosanitary Issues

Brazilian strawberry producers in the Bagé region are experiencing reduced production and fruit quality due to high temperatures and phytosanitary issues like Drosophila fly infestations and mites. Moreover, Caxias do Sul's strawberry production is low due to hot weather and precipitation. Strawberry farmers are adapting by pruning plants and increasing the value of their products. Strawberry prices fluctuate between USD 2.82 per kilogram (BRL 14/kg) and USD 6.04/kg (BRL 30/kg), depending on the region and sales method.

Korean Company Overcomes Challenges to Grow Strawberries in Vietnam with Smart Farm Technology

Despite challenging weather conditions, a Korean company uses smart farm technology to grow strawberries in Hanoi, Vietnam. They utilize a smart greenhouse, controllable via smartphones or computers, to regulate the growing environment. Although the initial two crops faced challenges such as humidity, insufficient light, diseases, and pests, the company is experimenting with various strawberry varieties. The heat-resistant Go Seul variety has shown promising results. Their ultimate aim is to export the smart greenhouse model to Vietnam.