Morocco's avocado production and export sector is on an upward trajectory, consistently boosting trade volumes and generating increasing foreign exchange earnings for the nation. The 2023/24 season is poised to continue this trend, with projections indicating a potential new high in avocado exports, as reported by EastFruit.
Between July 2023 and January 2024, Morocco achieved a milestone by exporting nearly 40,000 tons of avocados, valued at $120 million, setting a new record for the period. With four more months to go – since June typically sees a lull in exports – even if the figures for February to May 2024 dip to the lowest levels seen in recent years, the total export tally for the 2023/24 season is expected to be unprecedented. Preliminary data from the Moroccan Avocado Association corroborates this, suggesting that exports could indeed top 60,000 tons for the entire season.
A 20% increase in the country's avocado harvest in 2023, compared to the previous year, has been a significant contributor to this growth, thanks to favorable weather and expanded cultivation areas. However, ongoing challenges such as persistent droughts, water scarcity, and the discontinuation of government irrigation subsidies for new plantations are pressing issues that may impact future exports.
The Moroccan avocado export market currently faces a limitation in its reliance on a handful of destinations. Despite a surge in supply, Moroccan exporters primarily target four EU nations – Spain, France, the Netherlands, and Germany – with the first three significantly re-exporting Moroccan avocados. The fifth-largest importer, the United Kingdom, lies outside the EU.
While diversification of the Moroccan export market is underway, it is progressing slowly. Seasonal fluctuations see avocado exports to countries outside the top five importers ranging from 700 to 1,900 tons. A notable development is the introduction of Moroccan Hass avocados to new markets, such as Georgia, where they made their debut in March through direct shipments.
For more information: east-fruit.com