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Economy

Morocco's Blueberry Exports Skyrocket: A 25% Surge to Record 67,300 Tons

Monday 26 August 2024 - 12:45

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Morocco's agricultural sector has achieved a remarkable milestone during the 2023-2024 season, with blueberry exports reaching unprecedented levels. According to a report from EastFruit, the North African nation has set a new record in blueberry shipments, marking a robust expansion in both volume and market penetration across key international destinations.

From July 2023 to June 2024, Morocco exported approximately 67,300 tons of fresh blueberries, a remarkable 25% increase from the previous season. This surge represents a fourfold growth since the 2017/18 season, underscoring Morocco's rising prominence in the global blueberry market.

One of the most notable shifts during this period was the changing dynamics of Morocco's export destinations. While Spain has traditionally been the dominant market for Moroccan blueberries, accounting for 80% of exports in previous years, its share dropped to 30% this season. Despite this decline, Spain still imported 20,100 tons of Moroccan blueberries, maintaining its position as the top destination.

Morocco's expansion into other European markets has been striking. Exports to the United Kingdom surged by 30%, reaching 14,600 tons. The Netherlands saw a 42% increase, with 14,500 tons imported, while Germany and France also recorded significant upticks, with exports rising by 25% and 19% respectively.

Beyond Europe, Morocco is diversifying its blueberry export portfolio. The Middle East emerged as a growing market, with around 1,800 tons shipped to countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain.

In North America, Morocco exported 360 tons to the United States and 900 tons to Canada, signaling its expanding reach across the Atlantic.

The North African kingdom has also been strengthening its foothold in Southeast Asia, with notable exports to Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia. This growing presence in the region further solidifies Morocco's standing among the top five blueberry suppliers in Southeast Asia.

This impressive growth in Morocco's blueberry exports highlights the country's strategic efforts to diversify its agricultural exports and expand its market reach. As Morocco continues to build on this momentum, it is poised to become an even more significant player in the global blueberry market.