The evolution, global positioning and perspectives of the blueberry industry in Morocco This is the main objective of the next meeting of the red fruit industry in Tangier, which, in September, as every year, is organized by the International Consulting Firm Blueberries Consulting.

Since the first trials in blueberry cultivation in the 90s, Morocco capitalized on the commercial opportunity in 2004, launching large-scale production in Gharb-Loukos. Over the following decade, growth was steady but moderate. However, starting in 2015, thanks to foreign investment, agricultural know-how, and favorable agroclimatic conditions, production experienced exponential expansion, reaching approximately 35.000 tons in 2020 (a 19-fold increase over 2005).

Moroccan growth

Then came the great technological breakthrough, with protected agriculture, automated irrigation, soilless production, hydroponics, and, above all, the wide range of improved varieties. This meant for Morocco, and for the players in the blueberry industry globally, a quantum leap not only in productivity per hectare, but also a dramatic change in fruit quality.

The 2023/24 season was a milestone for Morocco, with exports totaling approximately 67.000 tons of fresh blueberries, representing a 25% increase over the previous season and nearly quadrupling exports since 2017/18. These figures reflect not only a growing volume but also a consolidation as the world's fourth-largest blueberry exporter.

Blueberry cultivation in Morocco has experienced exponential growth over the last decade, transforming from an emerging crop into one of the pillars of the country's fruit and vegetable export sector. This expansion has been driven by a combination of favorable agroclimatic conditions, foreign direct investment, and sustained international demand.

Market diversification

The main destination markets for the 2023/24 season were Spain, which remains the main recipient, with 20.100 tons (up 11%), although its share fell from 80% to 30% since the 2017/18 campaign. The United Kingdom, with 14.600 tons (up 33%); the Netherlands, with 14.500 tons (up 42%); Germany, with 4.300 tons (up 25%); and France, with 3.900 tons (up 19%) of shipments.

Other notable destinations included the Middle East, with 1.800 tons distributed across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain; North America, with 360 tons in the US and 900 tons in Canada; and Southeast Asia (Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia). In the latter, Morocco is among the five largest suppliers of blueberries.

In addition to the quality and experience of its human resources, if we were to identify the key factors for the success of the Moroccan blueberry industry, we would first mention the ideal agroclimatic conditions that Morocco offers to producers, with mild winters, warm, dry summers, and well-drained soils in regions such as Souss and Orientale, which favor multiple harvests and fruit with high firmness and flavor.

strategic advantage

On the other hand, the logistical advantage of geographic proximity to the European market allows for rapid shipments, preserving the freshness and quality of the fruit at its destination. In any case, Morocco has reduced its dependence on Spain, significantly diversifying its market and expanding into the Middle East, Asia, and North America.

Regarding the cultivation area, by the end of 2023, the cultivated area reached 4.800 hectares, with an increase of nearly 1.500 hectares in that last year alone. The goal for 2030 is to reach 6.000 hectares and export more than 100.000 tons annually.

An estimated harvest of 2024 tons is projected for the current 25-80.000 campaign, due to increased production from new improved varieties and favorable climatic conditions.

The industry is expanding and exploring new production areas (Dakhla, Atlas) to extend the harvest calendar and cover new off-season markets. Penetration into emerging markets in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and North America is also being deepened, with trade missions such as FoodEx and collaboration with FAO/EBRD.

Cultivation with projection

Blueberries are undoubtedly the crop with the greatest growth potential in Moroccan fruit production. With exports expected to double by 2030, Morocco is emerging as one of the top three global exporters in the European spring window. Success will depend on its ability to improve irrigation sustainability, diversify markets, and maintain the quality demanded by international consumers.

Foreign businessmen, investors, researchers and producers who attend the XXXVIII International Seminar on Red Fruits which will take place in September in the city of Tangier, will be very surprised by the high level that the Moroccan industry has achieved and, above all, by the multiple growth opportunities this industry has, in a region with privileged agroclimatic conditions and a strategic location.

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