Cold Wave Slashes Moroccan Raspberry Prices by 50% in European Markets

The profitability of the raspberry bush in recent years has prompted many people to invest in the sector. According to Amine Bennani, vice-president of the Moroccan Interprofessional Federation of Red Fruits, "the 2019-2020 season has shown the limits of this production model", reports leconomiste.com

According to him, "the 2019-2020 season started with a drop in raspberry prices due to the volumes produced, both in Morocco and in Spain". As a result, the prices negotiated in December ranged between 20 and 40 DH/kg. Levels that do not cover production costs: 50 DH/kg on average, it is specified. The resulting shortfall from the plunge in prices would be considerable. "Especially for the young farmers who have just been installed," he warns. For the Moroccan Association of Red Fruit Producers, the solution lies in the diversification of markets, particularly China and India.

To this end, it has asked the Ministry of Agriculture to sign bilateral agreements to have Moroccan control bodies approved in these two countries. But the distance of these two countries will require the use of air transport, as it is a highly perishable product. The freight cost, which varies between 25 and 30 DH/kg, will remain a whole problem that will have to be considered.

The Federation of Red Fruit Producers and Exporters advocates for an adaptation of the raspberry to market conditions. From less than 1,000 tons in 2008, production has increased this year to 27,500 tons.

The sector currently generates a turnover of around 4 billion DH and provides more than 6 million working days over 9 months at the level of farms and packaging stations. Today, the sector generates a turnover of around 4 billion DH, of which 3.3 billion in exports, i.e. more than two-thirds of citrus and early vegetable sales. In addition, its markets are relatively diversified compared to citrus fruits and early vegetables, the same source indicates.