In 2023, Morocco solidified its presence in the Southeast Asian fresh blueberry market, achieving record-breaking shipment levels and expanding its export reach to additional countries.
Moroccan blueberry exports to Southeast Asia, excluding Vietnam, totaled 1.4 thousand tons from January to November 2023, marking a nearly 50% increase compared to the entire year of 2022. The final 2023 outcome is expected to be even more remarkable as the peak season for Moroccan blueberry exports typically begins in December.
Key destinations for Moroccan blueberries in the region included Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia, collectively representing approximately 96% of Morocco’s total supplies during the first eleven months of 2023. Notably, Morocco also experienced increased exports to other markets, such as a nearly threefold increase to Thailand (30 tons) and a rise from 26 to 29 tons to Macau. Additionally, Morocco entered the Indonesian market for the first time with a trial batch of 720 kg.
Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia are major importers of blueberries in Southeast Asia, accounting for a substantial portion of the region’s 30 thousand tons import volume in 2021-2022. However, in 2023, this volume significantly decreased due to reduced supplies from Peru and Chile. While Morocco thrived, other exporters, including Australia, Zimbabwe, and China, also increased their market share in the region. Australia’s exports to Southeast Asia more than doubled in 2023, exceeding 1 thousand tons. Zimbabwe, a global leader in blueberry export growth, saw a 74% increase in shipments to 1.5 thousand tons, surpassing Morocco. China, a world leader in blueberry cultivation, boosted its exports to Southeast Asia by almost 300% in the same period, reaching 650 tons from January to November 2023.
Southeast Asia stands out as one of the world’s fastest-growing regions for fresh berry imports, driven by the rising incomes of the middle class, the influence of tourists and expatriates shaping local consumption habits, and the robust economic development forecasted by the IMF for 2023-2024, rivaling that of India and China.
Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia are major importers of blueberries in Southeast Asia, accounting for a substantial portion of the region’s 30 thousand tons import volume in 2021-2022. However, in 2023, this volume significantly decreased due to reduced supplies from Peru and Chile. While Morocco thrived, other exporters, including Australia, Zimbabwe, and China, also increased their market share in the region. Australia’s exports to Southeast Asia more than doubled in 2023, exceeding 1 thousand tons. Zimbabwe, a global leader in blueberry export growth, saw a 74% increase in shipments to 1.5 thousand tons, surpassing Morocco. China, a world leader in blueberry cultivation, boosted its exports to Southeast Asia by almost 300% in the same period, reaching 650 tons from January to November 2023.
