Morocco: Strawberry Exports Hits $70 Million in Annual Revenue, a New Historical Record

By Abdul Rahman Bangura–

NEW AFRICA DAILY NEWS (NADN) Freetown, Sierra Leone- The revenue realized from Morocco’s strawberry exports have hit a new historical record, generating between $40 and $70 million annually, according to recent data from East Fruit. Although the export volume of fresh strawberries is lower than that of frozen strawberries, fresh raspberries, and blueberries, fresh strawberries remain one of Morocco’s top 10 most exported goods.

In 2022, the country’s fresh strawberry exports to the global market were projected to be 22,400 tones, an increase of 17% from the previous year. Furthermore, Morocco has been diversifying its supplies, with blueberry exports increasing by 28% since 2017.

Since 2017, Spain has been one of the primary recipients of Moroccan strawberries, receiving over three-quarters of the country’s strawberry exports. However, Spain’s market share dropped to more than 20% over the following five years. Meanwhile, Moroccan strawberry supplies to the Middle East increased from 0.5% to 8%.

The UAE and Qatar are among the Middle Eastern countries that have been major buyers of Moroccan goods. In 2022, the UK was also a significant customer, importing nearly half of Morocco’s strawberry exports.

Morocco’s strawberry exports have been steadily rising over the years, with fresh strawberries remaining one of the key commodities of the country’s fruit and vegetable exports. The country’s success in diversifying its supplies and increasing its strawberry exports is a testament to its efforts to expand its agricultural sector.

To boost economic growth, the Moroccan Ministry of Agriculture has invested in several initiatives to enhance the country’s competitiveness in the global market. This includes improving infrastructure, developing new irrigation systems, and supporting small and medium sized farms.

Moroccan farmers have also been investing in research and development to increase the yield and quality of their strawberry crops. These efforts have resulted in the production of high quality strawberries that are in high demand in the international market.

Morocco’s success in the global strawberry market is not only a significant achievement for the country but also highlights the growing demand for fresh fruits and vegetables worldwide. As consumers become more aware of the health benefits of these products, there is likely to be an even greater demand for high-quality fresh produce from countries like Morocco.

For New Africa Daily News Abdul Rahman Bangura Reports,  Africa Correspondent