Olives: a bountiful harvest revives Morocco’s olive canning industry

Tuesday 24 February 2026 - 12:30

By: Sahili Aya

Olives: a bountiful harvest revives Morocco’s olive canning industry

Morocco’s olive canning sector is regaining momentum after two campaigns marked by drought. Driven by a national production estimated at nearly two million tonnes, the current season is giving fresh impetus to a strategic sector for the agri-food industry and exports.

According to estimates relayed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development and Water and Forests, the strong harvest has helped sustain the activity of both industrial and artisanal processing units. In several producing regions, factories are operating at a sustained pace, meeting both domestic demand and export orders.

Strong external markets

Moroccan manufacturers continue to strengthen their positions in key markets, particularly in North America, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. This export-driven momentum is an essential lever for the sector, which relies on quality and the diversity of local varieties to stand out.

After two difficult years marked by low rainfall and rising costs, the situation has clearly improved. The increased availability of raw materials has stabilized the supply for canning facilities and eased pressure on prices.

Falling prices, relief for processors

In the Marrakech-Safi region, professionals report a noticeable drop in the prices of olives intended for processing. The price per kilogram now ranges between 5 and 9 dirhams, with some varieties reaching 12 dirhams, compared to much higher levels during the previous season.

A similar trend is observed in the province of Azilal, where cooperative stakeholders note that the cost of acquiring raw materials has nearly been cut in half. This evolution directly benefits both modern and traditional units by reducing operating costs and improving margins.

Last year, shortages forced some companies to resort to olive imports to meet their export commitments, which mechanically increased production costs, particularly for olive oil. This year, national production largely covers demand.

A sector still facing challenges

Despite this improvement, challenges remain. Producers point to a shortage of seasonal labor, which is slowing down the pace of harvesting in certain areas. As a result, the harvest continues at a more moderate tempo than expected, despite the abundance of fruit.

On the domestic market, the “beldi” variety remains the most sought after by Moroccan consumers. Valued for its authentic taste, it supports a largely artisanal production based on natural preservation methods, without additives or preservatives. This traditional process, which can last between four and six months, requires patience and expertise before the final product reaches the market.

With this generous campaign, the olive sector reaffirms its central role in the national agricultural economy. The next challenge will be to consolidate this recovery by strengthening resilience to climate variability and further modernizing value chains to ensure long-term competitiveness.