"Moroccan strawberries should not be seen as a competitor but as a complement to the European season." This was stated by Nabil Belmkaddem of the northern Moroccan cooperative BestBerry at the International Strawberry Congress 2025 in Antwerp.
© Jannick Flach | HortiDaily.com
"The Moroccan berry sector is strongly intertwined with Europe," he explained. "Almost all inputs, from greenhouses and irrigation to fertilisers, come from Europe, and a large part of the yields flow back there. Morocco offers the advantage of proximity, a favourable climate outside the European season, and a sufficiently skilled workforce."
The main growing areas are in the north, he says. "In Agadir, but in addition, more and more is coming from the south around Dakhla, where a large project with desalination water is being set up. Moreover, there is a growing summer production of blueberries in the Atlas region, so exports can be spread even more." Nabil notes that the cropping pattern has changed a lot in recent years. "Blueberries and raspberries are growing rapidly in area and exports, while strawberry cultivation has declined sharply. For growers, blueberries are attractive: cultivation is less complex and more profitable, despite higher investment costs."
© BestBerry
The business model consists of growers investing in modern farms, choosing the right varieties, and cooperating with packing stations and exporters. "Crucial are European partners serving the market, as direct sales to supermarkets are too risky for Moroccan exporters," he says. Exports are almost entirely focused on Europe and the UK, with a small proportion also going to the Arabian Gulf states. Fresh strawberries go mainly to these markets, while frozen strawberries are also shipped to North America and Asia. The production season, Nabil says, closely matches European demand. "Strawberries from November to March, raspberries from September to June, and blueberries from October to June, which allows us to respond precisely to the gaps in the European market around this period."
"In Morocco, however, the sector faces major challenges," he warns. "Climate change is causing drought, extreme heat, and storm damage, which reduces production and shortens the season. Insect pressure is increasing, and labour is becoming scarcer due to area expansion. In addition, inflation and strict phytosanitary regulations are pushing up costs. Nevertheless, the sector continues to grow and innovate. With investments in new varieties, larger tray plants, and local nurseries, Morocco is responding to international demand. With this, the country remains an indispensable partner for the European soft fruit sector, and we hope to further cement our place within the sector in the coming years."
For more information:
Nabil Belmkaddem
BestBerry Cooperative
www.iscbelgium.com
