Morocco Triples Berry Production: Nearly 9,000 Hectares Now Cultivated

The strong demand for strawberries on the European market has contributed to a significant increase in the area dedicated to these fruits. According to data from the Union of Moroccan Fruit and Vegetable Professionals, strawberry cultivation - which accounts for 40% of the area used for berries - makes up the largest part of the area dedicated to berries. As for raspberries, they are becoming increasingly popular with producers and represent the second major crop in the Kingdom. As for cranberries, they have very high added value in Morocco, as they are exported to around forty countries.

Faced with market demands, Moroccan producers have focused on improving their crops to penetrate markets on five continents. The largest share of exports of these fruits went to the European Union with 90% of Moroccan berry exports over the past two years, according to the same source. The remaining share of berry exports went to Asian markets (5%), the Gulf (1.5%) and the North American Free Trade Agreement, African, South American and Central and Eastern European markets (3.5%).

Moreover, Morocco has intensified its efforts to boost berry exports and penetrate new markets. Indicators suggest that the annual berry production in Morocco should reach around 197,000 tons this season, an 84% increase compared to 10 years ago.