Morocco becomes third fastest-growing exporter of fruits and vegetables worldwide

Despite its arid climate and persistent water scarcity, Morocco has rapidly emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing exporters of fruits and vegetables, ranking third globally in export growth, according to agricultural data platform EastFruit.

The platform cites Morocco’s desert-like climate as a major hurdle, noting that some agricultural regions can go up to five consecutive months without a single drop of rain. Yet, the country continues to supply diverse and high-quality produce to international markets, from tomatoes to citrus fruits.

Tomatoes, particularly cherry and cluster varieties, are a standout sector. Grown under abundant sunshine in areas like Souss-Massa, Moroccan tomatoes are prized for their rich lycopene content,a powerful antioxidant,with concentrations reaching up to 100 mg/kg, as confirmed by European importers.

Citrus production is another cornerstone of Morocco’s export economy, largely concentrated in regions such as Souss-Massa, Marrakech-Safi, Béni Mellal-Khénifra, the Gharb, and Berkane.

Souss-Massa alone accounts for roughly 32% of national citrus output, cultivated across more than 40,000 hectares.

A symbol of Moroccan agricultural innovation, the “Nadorcott” clementine, patented in 1995 following research by Morocco’s National Institute of Agronomic Research (INRA)remains a flagship export.

The 2024–2025 citrus campaign is expected to yield 597,000 tonnes, marking a 31% increase over the previous season and positioning Morocco third in Africa, behind only South Africa and Egypt.

Looking ahead, Morocco is actively seeking to expand its export footprint, with growing interest in Southeast Asian markets, including Singapore and Malaysia.

According to EastFruit, the kingdom’s blend of strategic location, climatic advantages, and research-driven cultivation is helping it break through as a global agricultural force.