Drâa-Tafilalet drives Morocco’s date sector as 2026-2027 season begins

Yesterday 17:55

The 2026-2027 date season is getting underway in Morocco with strong supplies reaching the wholesale market in Erfoud, highlighting the central role of the Drâa-Tafilalet region in the country’s date industry.

The opening of the new agricultural and commercial season is marked by a broad selection of locally produced varieties, including Mejhoul, Boufeggous, Bouslikhen and Khalt. The diversity available at the market reflects the importance of the region not only as a major production hub, but also as a key trading center for Moroccan dates.

Premium varieties command prices of up to 60 dirhams per kilogram

Market prices currently vary considerably depending on the variety, fruit size and quality. High-grade dates are being traded at between 20 and 60 dirhams per kilogram, illustrating the price gap between different categories of fruit.

The range also reflects the growing importance of quality and sorting in the commercial value of dates. Premium varieties, particularly those meeting higher standards in terms of size and appearance, can command significantly higher prices than other market segments.

Drâa-Tafilalet remains the heart of national production

The region of Drâa-Tafilalet accounts for around 76% of Morocco’s total date production, according to figures cited by the Ministry of Agriculture. Its dominant position places the region at the center of the country’s date-growing economy and makes the start of each new season closely watched by producers and traders.

The latest production figures point to a significant improvement in national output. Morocco harvested approximately 160,000 tonnes of dates during the 2025-2026 agricultural season, representing an increase of nearly 55% compared with the previous year.

Favorable conditions support higher yields

The rise in production was supported in particular by more favorable climatic conditions, which helped improve palm productivity and contributed to better fruit quality.

The stronger harvest provides additional momentum as the 2026-2027 commercial season begins. For producers and wholesalers, the availability of larger volumes and a wide range of varieties offers opportunities to serve different market segments, from standard products to higher-value dates.

With Drâa-Tafilalet supplying the overwhelming majority of Morocco’s dates, the activity at Erfoud’s wholesale market provides an important indicator of how the new season is developing across the country.