Morocco Breaks Record as Top Melon Exporter to Spain, Surpassing Netherlands

Over the first nine months of 2023, Moroccan exporters have exceeded their previous records by shipping 13.8 thousand tons of this product to Spain, generating $10 million in export revenue, according to East Fruit. In July alone, around 8 thousand tons of Moroccan melons were delivered to the Spanish markets - more than half the total volume delivered in 2023 (from January to September). With this record volume delivered to Spain in 2023, Morocco’s share of Spanish imports has increased from 6-8% to 18%. As a result, the kingdom has moved up to third place among melon suppliers to Spain, surpassing the Netherlands. A position it should maintain by the end of the year.

Globally, Moroccan producers are actively selling melons on foreign markets. They also rank 12th among the world’s melon exporters. Over the current year, they have exported nearly 57 thousand tons of this product to 40 countries, with the bulk being delivered to France. These exports have earned Morocco more than $61 million.

The drought that hit Spain during the 2017-2018 campaign led to a water shortage and low local product yields. This situation pushed the country to increase its imports. The situation improved in 2022 when Spain ranked second among melon exporters, just behind Guatemala. But the upturn will not last. Over the first nine months of the current year, 78 thousand tons of melons have arrived in Spain. An absolute record compared to the same periods in previous years. By importing this product, Spain ranks seventh globally. Two-thirds of the total volume comes from Brazil.