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Economy

Morocco Emerges as Leading Vegetable Exporter to German Market

Thursday 06 June 2024 - 11:20

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In the early months of 2024, Morocco has solidified its position as a formidable force in the global fruit and vegetable trade, experiencing a significant surge in exports to the German market. According to a report from EastFruit, the North African nation's direct shipments of fresh and frozen produce to Germany have reached unprecedented heights, reshaping the industry's landscape.

From January to March 2024, Morocco dispatched a substantial 35,000 tons of fresh and frozen vegetables, fruits, and berries directly to Germany. This remarkable figure represents a 40% increase compared to the same period last year, effectively doubling the average volume recorded over the past five years.

Notably, this surge was driven by a remarkable influx of greenhouse tomatoes, sweet peppers, frozen raspberries, fresh blueberries, and other premium products. The direct supply of greenhouse tomatoes alone nearly doubled, reaching a staggering 13,000 tons, while sweet pepper exports grew by a third to 8,000 tons. This increase comes at a pivotal time for the European greenhouse sector, which has been grappling with soaring energy costs, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of southern suppliers like Morocco and Turkiye.

The surge in frozen raspberry exports from Morocco to Germany during the specified period is equally remarkable. Figures for January through March 2024 hit 1.7 thousand tons, marking over four times the amount from the previous year. This surge comes amidst a significant shortage of frozen raspberry stocks in the market, leading to a sharp increase in prices, further highlighting Morocco's pivotal role in meeting demand.

While consistent supply levels of Moroccan fresh raspberries to the German market were maintained, fresh blueberry exports witnessed substantial growth, reaching 1.2 thousand tons. Additionally, sales of fresh strawberries saw a twofold increase to 560 tons, further solidifying Morocco's position as a major player in the fresh produce arena.

It's worth noting that Morocco's actual impact on the German fruit and vegetable market may be even more significant than reported, as a considerable portion of Moroccan exports are re-exported through neighboring countries like Spain or France, often appearing in statistics as Spanish or French exports.

As Morocco continues to leverage its favorable climatic conditions and strategic geographic location, the country has ascended as a formidable force in the global produce trade, leaving an indelible mark on the German market with its bountiful harvests and unwavering commitment to quality.