Moroccan tomato producers, faced with a constantly changing market and phytosanitary conditions that influence the choice of varieties, are updating their catalog this summer. The example comes from the company Ô Fresh, as explained by its export manager, Oumaima Ibnoutabet.
The exporter explains, "We are preparing for the upcoming season, which begins in mid-October, with a change in varieties. These changes are dictated by production conditions, particularly the susceptibility of certain varieties to ToBRFV, as well as market needs, which penalized certain varieties last season."
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"For instance, we noted that Moroccan plum tomatoes are no longer profitable in the European market due to fierce competition in the European domestic production, especially since this category is also virus-sensitive. We therefore decided to discontinue this category. We are now focusing on other segmented varieties such as round cherry tomatoes and beef tomatoes. We have also adopted new resistant varieties, prioritizing flavourful lines and emphasizing shelf life and MRLs. All these parameters are important for our customers, consisting of supermarkets in the UK and Germany, where standards are the most stringent," Ibnoutabet continues.
The decline in profitability of the plum tomato category has also affected other growers in the Souss Massa region, including its stronghold, Agadir. Many of them have decided to discontinue growing them, according to the exporter. She also adds that growers are still having difficulty deciding which ToBRFV-resistant varieties to adopt due to the lack of conclusive results. Pulling up plants remains the primary means of controlling the virus, and Ibnoutabet reports a similar pull-up rate to last season, at 20-30%.
Adverse weather conditions this summer also impacted production. Ibnoutabet says, "Successive heat waves made our operations difficult and also led to overproduction. Fortunately, this period coincided with back-to-school promotions in European supermarkets, which boosted consumption."
"We look forward to recouping the lower returns from plum tomatoes in the upcoming campaign. Our volume plans remain stable, but we continue to monitor the market and are able to adapt to eventual additional demand within a three-month lead time," the exporter concludes.
For more information:
Oumaima Ibnoutabet
Ô Fresh
Tel: +212666755718
Email: [email protected]
www.ofreshmorocco.com
