Moroccan Produce Gains Popularity in Europe Amid Supply Chain Challenges

"The demand for fruits and vegetables from Morocco has increased in recent days, mainly due to the lack of manpower in Spain. This country controls the European market. When its production drops, Europeans are forced to source from us," says Lahcen Aderdour, president of the association of fruit and vegetable producers and exporters (APEFEL).

This surge in demand concerns zucchini, peppers, eggplants in the vegetable category; oranges, tangerines and tomatoes for fruits. These products known to the European consumer will soon be placed on the markets of France, Germany, the Netherlands, England, etc. Including the countries of North America.

According to the explanations of a Moroccan exporter, the United States and Canada are major consumers of Spanish, Italian and Portuguese fruits and vegetables. "Spain is currently running at 10% of its capacity; Italy and Portugal are almost at a standstill. Hence the redirection of demand to Morocco, especially for oranges and tangerines," he explains.