Morocco Faces Stiff Competition from Colombia in Avocado Export Market

"We are mainly facing competition from Colombia, with whom we share the same export window," says Abdellah Elyamlahi, president of the Morocco Avocado Association (MAVA), to Médias24. Morocco exported around 60,000 tons produced during the previous campaign, i.e. 90% of its total production estimated at 70,000 ha: 80% to Europe and 20% to Russia. Its competitor, Colombia, on the other hand, exported nearly double, to more than 30 countries. A harvest destined for North America and Europe.

Morocco relies on its proximity to Europe, the quality of its fruit, and the expansion of the cultivated area to reduce this gap. "Production with Europe is a considerable advantage, as we can deliver in a few days, unlike our South American competitors who take about three weeks, with prices likely to rise during this time (due to fluctuations in exchange rates between the currencies of exporting and importing countries, editor’s note)," explains Elyamlahi.

The kingdom produces different varieties of avocado: smooth avocados like Zukano and Fuerte, harvested between June and August, and the main varieties like Hassa, harvested between October and April. "This year, we expect the Hass variety to be productive due to favorable weather conditions and a successful first flowering at the end of February," assures the president of MAVA. He will add: "The existing trees have a better yield which should reach an average of 10 tons per hectare." This should promote an increase in total production. A total production of 75,000 tons is expected.