Morocco's fresh strawberry exports have reached an all-time low during the 2025/26 season, marking a significant decline that has been reported by 'EastFruit'. The data reveals that from October 2025 to April 2026, only 8,700 tons of strawberries were exported, which is approximately 50% less than the same period in the previous year. This downturn continues a worrying trend that has persisted for four consecutive years.
In contrast to the declining strawberry sector, exports of blueberries and raspberries are reportedly thriving. Analysts from EastFruit attribute the crisis in the strawberry market to several critical factors, including intensified competition from Egypt, where the area under cultivation has expanded significantly. This expansion has resulted in larger quantities of strawberries being offered at lower prices in the European market, thereby squeezing the profit margins of Moroccan producers. As a result, many farms have begun shifting their focus to more profitable crops.
Moreover, ongoing water shortages are severely impacting strawberry cultivation. Strawberries are known to be water-intensive crops, and prolonged droughts have significantly depleted groundwater reserves in key growing regions. Additionally, soil salinization in coastal areas exacerbates the situation, while investments in desalination facilities only serve to drive up production costs and further diminish profitability.
The labor shortage is another pressing issue highlighted in the EastFruit report. Many seasonal workers are opting to migrate to Spain, where they can earn higher wages. Those who remain often prefer to work in the raspberry or blueberry sectors, leading to significant labor shortages during critical harvest periods.
As reported by fruchthandel.de.
