The Blueberries Consulting's XXXVIII International Seminar, to be held in Tangier on September 10, will be very auspicious for the Moroccan economy and the berry industry.
Photo by Blueberries Consulting: 33rd International Berry Seminar Morocco 2024.
"Within the onslaught of tariffs imposed by the U.S. on the vast majority of countries in the world, Morocco was treated very favorably with a tariff of only 10%, equivalent to the minimum set, compared to 20% for the European Union, 30% for Algeria, or 28% for Tunisia in the African region," Blueberries Consulting stated.
"Thus, Morocco becomes a tariff oasis and a guarantor of stability amidst world uncertainty and instability, which could be a turning point for the Moroccan economy."
"In addition, Morocco is one of the countries with the most Free Trade Agreements (FTA) and the only African country to have one with the United States. The FTA between Morocco and the U.S. was signed in 2006."
Trade hub
"According to analysts, this commercial advantage, combined with the country's strategic location, may generate growing international interest in turning Morocco into a commercial and industrial hub for companies seeking to reduce their exposure to markets hit hardest by U.S. tariffs and for European industry seeking to protect itself in the African country. Everything suggests that Morocco could be one of the big winners in this reconfiguration of world trade."
A destination for European companies
"This reality, combined with its multilingualism, which allows companies to operate globally in French, Arabic, English, or Spanish from a single base, makes Morocco a great commercial power in the making. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) expects Morocco to grow by 3.9% this year."
"Another element that plays in Morocco's favor is the emergence of nearshoring, or the establishment of operations in countries close to consumption centers, because it is a few hours away from the main European capitals and operates in similar time slots. The tariffs on Morocco are half the size of the ones imposed on the European Union, so it's only a matter of time before European companies start producing in Morocco."
Blueberries
"The blueberry season is in full swing and coming with high volumes of fruit. This productive growth also extends to new producers joining the industry, so the planted area will also grow, ensuring future seasons with high numbers, which demonstrates the industry is well consolidated and vigorous, and that the positioning of the Moroccan blueberry industry at a global level has improved."
Production up to November 2024.
"Moroccan blueberry exports are projected to grow by 20% over the last season, as the country will export more than 70,000 tons of fresh and 8,000 tons of frozen blueberries. The cultivated area exceeds 7,000 hectares and is mainly located in the north of the country, in the Loukkos area, which produces 70% of the volumes. The remaining 30% is produced in the central area of Morocco, mainly in the Souss Massa region."
Production up to April 2025.
Comparative advantages
"In recent years, Morocco has shown that it has and maintains particularly advantageous conditions to grow berries, such as its strategic location regarding the European market, its ideal climate for this type of crop, the professionalism of its workers, the good use of applied technologies, the choice and renewal of its plant material, and investment facilities that allow making progress in adding value to the products."
"The blueberries produced by the Moroccan industry, and its fruit in general, are known for their good quality and sustainable production, which is why they are backed by the most important international certification bodies, such as Grasp, Smeta or Global Good Agricultural Practice (Global G.A.P.), among others".
"Morocco's blueberry industry is making progress in increasing production, including more competitive varieties and adopting high-tech management systems, such as hydroponics. The country is developing strategies to extend its season and maintain a supply for all or most of the 52 weeks of the year. It is expanding crops to the southern regions for earlier harvests, and to the Atlas Mountains for later and late harvests. This strategic expansion is expected to further improve Morocco's competitiveness in the global blueberry market."
Photo by Blueberries Consulting: 33rd International Berry Seminar Morocco 2024.
"The 38th International Berry Seminar 2025, which will be held at the Royal Tulip City Center Hotel in Tangier on September 10, is a determining factor for the potential development of Morocco's berry industry; an industry that is in full growth and consolidating as a leading player in the global export industry."
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For more information:
Blueberries Consulting
Tel: +56 9 3469 3871 (WhatsApp)
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www.blueberriesconsulting.com