The Moroccan blueberry industry has rapidly grown in the past decade, becoming a major player in the global market. Starting with modest beginnings in 2005, blueberry cultivation has expanded significantly, with acreage increasing over 15 times by 2020. This growth has been driven by factors such as favorable environmental conditions and strategic investments.
Initially, blueberry cultivation was focused in Loukos Gharb, but it has since expanded to new areas like Agadir and Dakhla. By 2020, Morocco produced 35,100 tons of blueberries, a stark increase from 2005. The production season lasts from December to June, with around 55,000 tons exported to various markets, especially Europe, showcasing the industry’s stability and scale.
Morocco Fresh Export Volume By Partner | Cultivated Conventional
During the 2022/23 season, a prolonged cold snap led to a notable decrease in blueberry volumes in Morocco. The cold weather disrupted harvest schedules and resulted in steep price increases for blueberries.
Morocco Fresh Export Volume History | Cultivated Conventional
SunCrops Sales and Procurement manager, German Perez, is gearing up for the 2023/24 blueberry season with a focus on proactive preparation. Water management is key in Morocco’s arid climate, while logistics and packaging require careful coordination.
“Despite last year’s challenges, we’re actively preparing for a promising season. Lessons learned have better equipped us for this year, aiming for more consistent production,” says Perez.
Logistics for transporting blueberries from Agadir to Casablanca are complex. Ensuring a reliable supply chain is crucial for freshness. Access to packaging materials is limited, making diverse options challenging to procure. SunCrops prioritizes the European market while exploring opportunities in Asia and the Middle East, despite potential weather challenges.
Morocco Fresh Export Volume By Partner | Cultivated Conventional
Storm Bernard in October caused significant damage to early blueberry varieties in Morocco, Spain, and Portugal, leading to expectations of high prices in the European market during the early weeks.
Frutta Group, a US-based company, has partnered with Grupo Cheers Portugal to source blueberries from Morocco for the first time this winter. Juan Eduardo Sainz of Frutta Group praises Morocco’s emergence as a major global player in fresh blueberry production and export, noting the country’s efficient logistics for exports to North America and Europe. Quality is expected to be high this season, with peak production in January, February, and March, driven by strong demand and reduced availability from the southern hemisphere. Morocco’s 15-day export duration stands out as an advantage, particularly given current delays in the Panama Canal.
In MY 2022/23, Moroccan blueberries reached 37 foreign markets, generating $315 million in export revenue and ranking Morocco 8th among global suppliers. Morocco’s exports to the UK exceeded 11,000 tons by volume and $80 million by value in MY 2022/23, surpassing Spain in blueberry shipments to the UK. This shift followed the Brexit transition, which led to a change in data reporting procedures, with historical records previously consolidated under Spain.
UK Fresh Import Value By Partner | Cultivated Conventional
With an 800-hectare growth in the last season, the blueberry industry in Morocco is setting ambitious objectives for the future. By 2030, they aim to have 6,000 hectares planted and achieve an annual production exceeding 100,000 tons. These goals highlight the industry’s consolidation and determination to play a leading role in the international market. Stakeholders are optimistic about the upcoming season, expecting continued growth and a strengthened market presence regionally and internationally.
