The abrupt end of the Moroccan blueberry season - for most exporters - signals the start of the next phase of the Moroccan agricultural season, which is that of summer fruit and vegetables, says Mehdi Benchekroun, CEO of DMB & Co.
Benchekroun said, "accusations of contamination of soft fruits have dealt a heavy blow to the Moroccan blueberry campaign, which was progressing at a slow pace anyways, and export conditions have become too rigid, forcing many exporters to leave the market. It also coincides with the start of the Spanish blueberry campaign, so it's time to move on to other crops."
The next phase is that of rotation fruits and vegetables, such as watermelons, melons, sweet potatoes, and onions. Benchekroun says, "In this sector too, we are not spared the difficulties that mark the Moroccan agricultural campaign. But we remain optimistic."
"In watermelon and melon, the season will be marked by production restrictions that have reached new regions this year," explains Benchekroun. In regions where there are no restrictions, such as Gharb and Loukkous, growers are themselves deciding to slow down, due to last year's seed problems which affected quality and caused phytosanitary problems, and the abrupt end of the season."
"Regarding vegetables such as potatoes and onions, we are seeing a considerable increase in acreage in the Gharb/Loukkos regions compared with last season, to the detriment of soft fruit, encouraged by last season's good profitability," adds Benchekroun.
Recent rainfall could quickly influence growers' decisions on these crops, increasing acreage by June. Benchekroun says, "The recent rains are being greeted with great enthusiasm and have restored dam reserves and refreshed the region's water table."
The exporter announces reaching a milestone that coincides with the summer fruit and vegetable cycle: "This season, we took an important step in integrating our operations, and started producing our own watermelons, melons, and sweet potatoes in the Ouarzazate region, which benefits from a favorable climate and good groundwater reserves. We also capitalize on proven experience in agricultural trade and a deep understanding of the needs of European markets."
"We're continuing to focus on our specialty, exporting blueberries, and we're now extending to marketing our own production of watermelons and sweet potatoes, as well as aromatic plants, all of which are certified organic," concludes Benchekroun.
For more information:
Mehdi Benchekroun
DMB & CO
Tel: +212661214337
Email: [email protected]