After the end of the first half of the Moroccan watermelon season, with crops coming in from Zagora and other regions of southern Morocco, growers in Larache (north) and Gharb (west) are entering the market with imminent harvests.
Zniker Omar, owner and CEI of Souir Berry, located near Larache, said, "We're starting the harvest this week, and the first export calendars are available from mid-July. Quality is excellent, with medium sizes available in abundance."
According to several previous professional statements, the Larache and Gharb regions have seen a big shift towards watermelon production this year, and record acreage due to the industry's success last year. Omar adds, "There are indeed large areas, but the volumes are not up to our expectations because of the smaller sizes, and the drop in yield caused by inadequate climatic conditions. As for my estimation, the drop in yield is around 25%."
According to the grower, climatic disruptions have caused smaller sizes than last season, but he reassures, "the sizes and quality we have this year remain satisfactory. Most of our production consists of 14-18 kg sizes watermelons, with smaller volumes that are up to 20 kg. This is less than sizes that Moroccan consumers are used to, but these are the preferred sizes in Europe and in Moroccan supermarkets."
"Our priority in terms of markets are European countries, which currently have significant demand and have been waiting for the second half of the Moroccan season. Our export calendars will be available from mid-July until September" adds the grower, "and we will also have enough volumes to satisfy the large demand from the Moroccan domestic market."
For more information:
Zniker Omar
Souir Berry
Tel: +212 660-004572
Email: [email protected]