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Agriculture

Morocco's Rise to Global Strawberry Stardom in 2024

Thursday 27 June 2024 - 15:00

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In a notable ascent within the global agricultural landscape, Morocco has secured its place among the top 10 strawberry producers in the world for 2024, as revealed by the World Population Review. This achievement underscores Morocco's burgeoning role in the international strawberry market, with an impressive annual production of 166,955 tonnes.

Strawberries have long been a beloved fruit, witnessing a surge in global demand. The leading producers are China, the United States, and Egypt. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), China retained its dominant position in 2023 with a staggering yield of 3,336,690 tonnes.

The United States followed with a production of 1,055,963 tonnes, while Egypt secured the third spot with 597,029 tonnes. Other significant contributors to the global strawberry supply include Turkiye, Spain, Brazil, Russia, Poland, and now prominently, Morocco.

Experts attribute the expansion in strawberry cultivation to the fruit's increasing popularity worldwide. However, they caution that the unpredictable nature of weather and extreme climate events pose significant risks to yield stability, often resulting in supply shortages.

Strawberries are exceptionally delicate and demand meticulous post-harvest handling and immediate refrigeration to preserve their quality during transportation. In China, the majority of strawberry production is concentrated in the provinces of Hebei, Shandong, and Liaoning.

In the United States, California stands as the powerhouse of strawberry production, accounting for 90% of the national yield. The remaining supply comes from states such as Florida, Oregon, North Carolina, and Michigan. Egypt’s key strawberry-growing regions include Ismailia, Beheira, and Qaluobia.

The timing of strawberry ripening varies with geography. In temperate northern hemisphere zones, strawberries typically ripen in early summer. Conversely, equatorial regions enjoy extended growing seasons, facilitating year-round availability, provided that robust transport and refrigeration infrastructure is in place. For example, Mexican strawberries are readily available to consumers in the northern United States during the winter months.

Morocco’s ascension into the top echelons of global strawberry production is a significant milestone for the nation's agricultural sector. Despite the challenges posed by climate variability and the logistical complexities of maintaining quality standards, Moroccan strawberries are poised to meet international demands, contributing significantly to the global market. This development not only highlights Morocco's agricultural capabilities but also ensures that consumers across the world continue to enjoy this cherished fruit.