Morocco’s grapefruit exports soar as Canada’s demand drives record growth

Monday 10 November 2025 - 10:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco’s grapefruit exports soar as Canada’s demand drives record growth

Morocco has achieved a remarkable milestone in the global grapefruit market, doubling its exports to Canada to 1,500 tonnes and generating $1.67 million during the 2024–2025 season. This success solidifies Morocco’s growing presence in a market that has been in long-term decline.

According to EastFruit, the Canadian market now represents over 30% of Morocco’s total grapefruit exports, with the majority of shipments occurring between December and April. February 2025 alone marked a historic high, with 500 tonnes exported, about a third of the season’s total.

This achievement comes despite a steep decline in Canada’s overall grapefruit imports, which have fallen from 70,000 tonnes in the 1990s to fewer than 30,000 tonnes in recent years. For the 2024–2025 season, projections indicate further contraction to just 25,000 tonnes. However, Morocco has bucked the trend, capturing 26% of the Canadian market in February — the highest share ever recorded for the country.

EastFruit credits Morocco’s success to a combination of competitive pricing, consistent quality, and strategically timed exports that align with Canada’s winter demand. Moroccan growers have filled a key supply gap left by competitors like South Africa, China, and the United States, whose seasons taper off before Morocco’s peak period from November through March.

While South Africa, China, and the U.S. still dominate with more than 60% of total Canadian grapefruit imports, Morocco’s growing market share underscores its ability to adapt to changing global dynamics. This adaptability extends beyond grapefruit, as Morocco has also seen a seventeenfold surge in blueberry exports to Canada in recent years, further cementing its position in North America’s premium fruit markets.

In a global citrus market where demand is cooling, Morocco’s sharp rise highlights the resilience and innovation of its agricultural sector, which continues to thrive on the international stage.