The Moroccan blueberry season is kicking off gradually, with the first early harvests shipped one to two weeks ago, according to Amine Bennani, president of the Moroccan Association of Soft Fruit Growers. Bennani adds: "These are the new early varieties planted in Dakhla, a new production area, and Agadir. The season starts effectively in late November/early December for most of the volume, barring any serious weather incidents."
© Amine
The area under cultivation has increased from 6,500 ha to 7,500-8,000 ha this season, according to Bennani, who forecasts double-digit year-on-year growth in volumes. The industry representative continues: "Last season's export volumes reached 86,606 tonnes, compared to 67,662 tonnes in 2023/2025, an increase of 28%, and we expect similar growth this season. The growth in acreage and volumes is accompanied, at the national level, by a transition to higher-yielding varieties, and bigger sizing (jumbo and super jumbo sizes of 18 and above), with an emphasis on fruit crunchiness and longer shelf life, in order to respond to market developments and competition."
According to Bennani, the growth in volumes will not lead to an oversupply on the European market. He even forecasts a decline in Moroccan blueberry exports to Europe compared to last season. He concludes: "Significant market diversification took place last season with the development of the US and Canadian markets, which remain promising this season and where Moroccan exporters have mastered the logistics. We also expect Middle Eastern destinations to collectively import more than 5,000 tonnes and Russia more than 3,000 tonnes, as was the case last season. The first shipments of Moroccan blueberries to China, a very important market, will most likely take place this season as well."
For more information:
Amine Bennani
Moroccan Association of Soft Fruit Growers
Tel: +212661243424
Email: [email protected]
