Israeli Group Mehadrin Sells Moroccan-Grown Avocados to Europe
From the Gharb plantations to European supermarkets, some Moroccan avocados pass through the Israeli group Mehadrin. An investigation published on October 23 reveals the commercial arrangement behind these exports, as the company seeks to reduce its dependence on Israel amid difficulties in the European market.
At its orchards in Morocco, Mehadrin France hosted a delegation from Westfalia Fruit UK to show them its plantations and packing station. The company announced that the avocados grown there were destined for Tesco, the UK’s largest supermarket chain.
Behind these fruits grown in Morocco is one of Israel’s largest agricultural exporters. Mehadrin, which specializes in citrus fruits, avocados and dates, began establishing its presence in Morocco in 2021, with an initial project covering around 500 hectares and a planned investment of 80 million dirhams.
An investigation by The Cradle published on October 23 details an agreement reached in January 2025. According to a stock-market filing cited by the outlet, a French company owns two Moroccan agricultural businesses. Mehadrin owns 51% of this entity, while its Moroccan partner holds 49%, through a Spanish company.
Production and packing take place in Morocco. Marketing is handled by Mehadrin, which receives an 8% commission, according to the same investigation.
Morocco, an asset amid difficulties for Israeli exporters
This arrangement takes on particular importance in the current commercial climate. In June, Israeli business daily Calcalist reported a 41% drop in Israeli citrus exports to Europe in 2024, in a market affected in particular by boycotts, competition and costs.
The newspaper noted that Mehadrin’s ability to market fruit grown in Morocco helped it cope with these difficulties.
The group plans to continue expanding. In an interview with FreshPlaza on October 2, Anthony de Cuba, managing director of Mehadrin Holland, confirmed a target of around 1,000 hectares of avocado trees in Morocco within five years.
The strategy now extends beyond the kingdom. Mehadrin is also developing farms in Peru to supply its European customers for more of the year by combining the production seasons of several countries.
