The strawberry season 2012-2013 in Morocco has started with the early varieties Festival, Camarosa and Splendor. The three together represent 80% of the total strawberry area, which compared to 2012 has increased by 5% (140 to 150ha). The season started at the middle to the end of November 2012, but the development was up to now - and especially in January - delayed by cold nights, rain and storm. The export of Moroccan strawberries was 50% less than last year up to 14 days ago, -22% compared to the three-year average with a cumulated average of -15% since the start of the season.
However, for 5 weeks the volumes have increased and the season is now in full swing. The total export will not be more than 18,000 tons (against 22,500 tons last year) because of time loss and a decrease in yields as a result of the bad weather conditions.