Moroccan Raspberry Exports: An Encouraging Start Amidst Challenges
The first shipments of Moroccan raspberries have commenced in the Agadir region, which now accounts for approximately 60% of the nation's raspberry production, according to Interproberries. Following a season characterized by a decline in fresh fruit exports, the sector is entering the new campaign with a sense of optimism, albeit with caution regarding volumes and commercial outcomes. In an interview published by _FreshPlaza_ on October 1, Abdeslam Acharki, the director of Interproberries, noted that the initial shipments of early varieties from Agadir began two weeks ago. This kickoff is supported by robust international demand, providing an encouraging sign for producers and exporters within the Kingdom. However, it follows a challenging campaign, highlighting the significant dependency of this production on climatic conditions.
Interproberries is cautious about announcing a specific trajectory for the new season. “It has become very difficult to anticipate volumes and commercial performances,” explains Abdeslam Acharki to _FreshPlaza_. He emphasizes that the increasing variability between campaigns, along with numerous uncertain parameters, limits the visibility for operators. The interest shown by buyers at the start serves as a favorable indicator, although it does not allow for predictions regarding the final commercial balance at this stage.
Shifting Dynamics in Raspberry Production
The geographical landscape of Moroccan raspberry production continues to evolve. According to Acharki, Agadir now concentrates about 60% of the production, with the Loukkos region accounting for the remaining 40%. This distribution has gradually developed over recent years and represents a unique characteristic of raspberries among the range of red fruits cultivated in Morocco. It is important to note that these proportions specifically pertain to raspberry production and should not be generalized across the entire sector.
This evolution accompanies another transformation: the gradual shift towards year-round production. The sector is experiencing a trend toward this objective, although it has not yet been achieved uniformly across all operators. The initial outputs of early varieties from Agadir underscore the significance of the harvest schedule in organizing Morocco's supply. However, the interview does not provide a detailed calendar by region or monthly forecasts of available volumes.
From an agronomic perspective, Acharki highlights the combined impact of varieties and agricultural practices on the yields achieved in Agadir. However, climatic conditions remain a decisive factor. His observations encourage a distinction between the potential of a variety and the actual performance realized on a farm: while cultivation methods play a role, results are significantly influenced by seasonal conditions.
The assessment of the previous campaign illustrates this uncertainty. According to figures reported by _FreshPlaza_, Moroccan fresh raspberry exports declined from 63,554 to 59,149 tons, representing a decrease of approximately 7%. Acharki noted disrupted production windows and reduced yields, with the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region experiencing the most significant contraction at a 22% drop in fresh raspberry exports.
In contrast, frozen raspberry exports saw an upward trend. Export volumes reached 15,452 tons, up from 12,950 tons in the previous season, marking an impressive increase of 19%. This divergence is a critical component of the overall assessment: the decline in fresh exports does not fully capture the evolution of all market outlets. However, the available data does not suggest an improvement in producer profitability or a compensation for lost revenues from the fresh market.
As the new campaign unfolds, Interproberries maintains a positive outlook for the start. Demand is present, and shipments have resumed. For Moroccan professionals, the challenge will now be to monitor how this commercial momentum aligns with actual harvests in a sector that is extending its production calendar while possessing limited visibility on its seasonal performance.
As reported by agrimaroc.ma.
