The cultivation of blueberries in Morocco only dates back to the beginning of the century. Between 2005 and 2015, the growth of the industry was small but constant. In the last 7 years, it skyrocketed.
The increase in the year-on-year area experienced a real boom, reaching a growth of up to 500 hectares per year, driven by the arrival of foreign capital to Morocco, which, together with the experienced farmers, increased the fruit plantations in Loukos Gharb and created new crop areas in Agadir, in the center-north of the kingdom, and Dakhla to the south.
By 2020, they had produced 35,100 tons of blueberries, 19 times more than in 2005.
The favorable climate has been decisive for the rapid development in the cultivation of blueberries, as well as the high availability of labor at a reasonable value, according to Mr. Amine Bennani, president of the Moroccan Association of Berry Producers (AMPFR).
In addition, the geographical location of the Kingdom of Morocco favors the export of fresh fruit to high-value markets. "Sending our products from the farm to consumers in Europe takes us 4 days, and to consumers in Russia 6 days," Mr. Bennani stated. The European market receives about 90% of Morocco's production. Its main destinations are Spain, England, the Netherlands, Germany, and France.
The country's geographical location also gives it advantages to reach markets in North America (United States, Canada) and Asia (China, mainly) with fresh and frozen products.
The country's progress in the international blueberry market has also been driven by trade agreements with the European Union, Turkey, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates, among others.
Blueberries all year round
The Moroccan sector seeks to increase the country's varietal availability, in order to have blueberries available throughout the year. The season in southern areas, such as Dakhla, begins in October, and in the northern areas, it starts during January, peaking in March and ending in July. Now, foreign companies are working to create crops in the upper areas of the country that can begin production in August, closing an annual production cycle.
Source: blueberriesconsulting.com