Morocco Becomes One of Switzerland’s Top Five Blueberry Suppliers

14:30

Morocco has secured a place among Switzerland’s five leading suppliers of fresh blueberries for the first time, marking a significant step in the expansion of the country’s fruit exports into high-value European markets.

During the 2025–2026 marketing season, which ran from July 2025 to June 2026, Switzerland imported 655 tonnes of Moroccan blueberries, representing a 75% increase compared with the previous season. The shipments were valued at more than €7.6 million, according to figures from the Swiss Federal Office for Customs and Border Security analysed by agricultural market platform EastFruit.

The results point to a sustained expansion in Morocco’s position in the Swiss fresh-fruit trade, supported by rising demand and the country’s ability to supply blueberries during key periods of the year.

Moroccan Shipments Gain Ground in a Growing Market

The latest increase builds on a longer period of growth. Over three marketing seasons, Moroccan blueberry shipments to Switzerland expanded approximately 2.3-fold, with average annual growth of around 33%.

Morocco now accounts for 5.5% of Swiss fresh blueberry imports, placing it alongside established international suppliers. Its 75% annual increase was also the strongest among the principal supplying countries during the latest season, according to EastFruit’s analysis.

The achievement comes as Switzerland’s appetite for imported blueberries continues to grow, creating additional opportunities for exporters able to meet the market’s quality, consistency and delivery requirements.

Spain Maintains Its Lead as Competition Intensifies

Despite Morocco’s advance, Spain remains the dominant supplier to Switzerland, accounting for 44% of imported blueberries. Peru ranks second with 17.8%, followed by the Netherlands at 7.8% and Chile at 6.4%. Morocco completes the top five with its 5.5% market share.

The rankings reflect a competitive market in which suppliers benefit from different production cycles and shipping windows. While Moroccan exports have expanded, imports from Poland, Italy and South Africa declined during the 2025–2026 season.

For Morocco, entering the top five represents more than a change in ranking: it demonstrates the country’s growing ability to compete in a market already served by several major blueberry-producing nations.

Swiss Demand Continues to Rise

Switzerland imported approximately 11,800 tonnes of fresh blueberries during the 2025–2026 season, an increase of 17% year on year. Import volumes have now risen for five consecutive seasons, with average annual growth of around 10%.

Although Switzerland is a relatively small market in terms of total volume, its commercial value makes it an attractive destination for exporters. Moroccan shipments worth more than €7.6 million illustrate the potential of this trade beyond the country’s larger traditional export destinations.

Continued demand growth, however, also means that Morocco must maintain its competitiveness against suppliers with established distribution networks and strong positions in European retail markets.

Seasonal Availability Supports Morocco’s Position

The timing of Moroccan production and shipments is an important factor in the country’s access to the Swiss market. Moroccan blueberries are generally supplied between November and June, with exports peaking during the spring.

This period overlaps with a strong seasonal demand for imported fruit. It also brings Morocco into direct competition with Spain, whose production remains a major presence during the spring and early summer.

Peruvian supplies are more prominent in autumn and early winter, while Chilean exports contribute substantially during the winter period. The differing calendars allow importers to source blueberries from multiple origins throughout the year, although competition remains intense during overlapping seasons.

Export Diversification Offers Further Opportunities

Morocco’s entry into Switzerland’s top five suppliers highlights the broader potential of its agricultural export sector to expand into additional European markets. The latest figures show that the country can increase its market share even where established exporters maintain a strong presence.

The challenge ahead will be to sustain growth while meeting buyer expectations for product quality, reliable supply and timely deliveries. If the current momentum continues, Switzerland could become a more significant destination within Morocco’s expanding blueberry export network.

For the Moroccan fruit industry, the latest season provides a clear indication that export growth is not limited to higher volumes: gaining ground in specialised, higher-value markets is also becoming an increasingly important part of its international trade strategy.