More than 66,000 tonnes of berries, strawberries and other soft fruit were exported by Morocco in the first three
months of 2024.
Morocco, the world leader in soft fruit production, achieved a remarkable commercial feat in the first quarter of 2024. The EastFruit agency reported that the country exported a record 66,000 tonnes of these products, up 20 percent on the same period last year. This exceptional performance is due in particular to a significant increase
in blueberry exports, which reached 27,000 tonnes, a figure that far exceeds the previous record of 2021.
Raspberry and blackberry exports also saw spectacular growth, with 22,000 tonnes and 900 tonnes exported respectively, setting two new records. Strawberry exports also rose slightly, to 15,500 tonnes.
The European Union and the United Kingdom remain the main importers of Moroccan soft fruit, with 92 percent of the market. The UK recorded a significant increase in its imports, exceeding those of 2023 by a quarter. Other European countries such as the Netherlands, Germany, Poland and Italy have also stepped up their purchases from Morocco.
Morocco has also succeeded in strengthening its presence in other international markets, notably in the Middle East, Norway, Switzerland and Canada. One notable advance was the introduction of Moroccan blueberries to the Indian market, where they were tested for the first time.
With its favourable climate for growing soft fruit, advanced farming techniques and geographical proximity to the European market, Morocco is well positioned to maintain a high level of exports for the rest of
the season. This performance reinforces Morocco’s reputation as a key player in the soft fruit industry worldwide.
MN/te/fss/as/APA