Despite facing criticism and concerns about the significant water usage during a prolonged drought, Morocco’s avocado production and export sector are experiencing a steady upward trend, according to EastFruit media.
Morocco achieved a significant milestone by exporting approximately 40,000 tons of avocados worth $120 million between July 2023 and January 2024, setting a new record.
With four more months remaining in the season – traditionally lower-export months – even if exports dip from February to May 2024 to levels seen in recent years, “the total export volume for the 2023/24 season is expected to be unprecedented,” predicts EastFruit.
Initial data from the Moroccan Avocado Association supports this, indicating that exports could surpass 60,000 tons for the entire season.
EastFruit noted that a favorable climate and the expansion of agricultural ground have considerably helped in this growth, with avocado production rising 20% in 2023 compared to the previous year.
However, ongoing hurdles such as persistent droughts, water scarcity, and the discontinuation of government irrigation subsidies for new plantations may have an impact on future exports, stressed the same source.
The Moroccan avocado export market currently relies heavily on a few destinations, primarily targeting four EU nations – Spain, France, the Netherlands, and Germany – with the first three significantly re-exporting Moroccan avocados. The United Kingdom, the fifth-largest importer, lies outside the EU.
Efforts to diversify Morocco’s export market are underway, although advancing slowly. Avocado exports to countries other than the top five importers vary between 700 and 1,900 tons due to seasonal changes.
Moroccan Hass avocados, reported the same source, are starting to be shipped to new markets, such as Georgia.
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