Morocco's Evolving Role in the Global Berry Market
Morocco is entering a new phase in its agricultural journey, having established a robust position in the international berry sector over recent years. This advancement, however, comes with heightened expectations for increased productivity, superior quality, efficient resource utilization, and enhanced competitiveness in an increasingly saturated market. Such pressing demands are at the heart of the upcoming 43rd International Berry Fruit Seminar, organized by Blueberries Consulting, which will take place on September 16 at the Royal Tulip City Center Hotel in Tangier. Producers, exporters, researchers, and representatives from various institutions will convene to discuss market transformations and the necessary adaptations in cultivation, technology, and trade to maintain competitiveness.
Integrating Data and Innovative Practices for Sustainable Growth
The seminar will kick off with a focus on Morocco's positioning within the international market. Amine Bennani, the president of the Moroccan Berry Producers Association, will provide insights into the current state of the industry and the primary challenges faced. Following this, Cindy van Rijswick from Rabobank Research Food & Agribusiness will delve into the international blueberry market, examining trade flows, market developments, and consumer behavior. These presentations will draw connections between Morocco's developments and broader changes in a global sector increasingly influenced by new origins, varietals, and rising competitive pressure.
Moreover, a significant emphasis will be placed on leveraging current data for informed decision-making amidst uncertain seasons. Thomas Grandperrin from Agronometrics EMEA will showcase the experiences of the Morocco Data Club, illustrating how real-time data usage has helped navigate uncertainties during the 2025/26 season. Given the ever-shifting dynamics of quantities, harvest calendars, prices, and the market share of various origins, timely recognition of these signals has become crucial for producers, exporters, and traders alike.
Another focal point will be the efficient management of resources such as water and nutrients in blueberry cultivation. Jorge Esquivel, Managing Director of Blueberries Consulting, will discuss cultivation strategies and nutrient roles, while Moisés Cohen Amar, co-founder of Morph2ola and AgViewer, will explore how precisely aligning water consumption with plant needs can enhance yield and quality. Effective water management has emerged as a strategic factor in cultivation systems that aim to combine high yields with superior quality.
Quality assurance before and after harvest will also be a key topic, with Daniel Manríquez, global head of research and development at Cultiva, emphasizing the significance of the wax layer on blueberries and methods to protect berry plants from diseases and environmental stressors. Reinaldo Campos from the University of Chile will further discuss the application of growth regulators pre-harvest to enhance quality and shelf life, linking pre-harvest decisions to fruit condition during storage, transport, and sale—a critical aspect for distant markets.
Additionally, the seminar will address the innovative repurposing of waste streams within the blueberry sector. Luis Nunes, CEO of HST, will present transformative approaches to convert waste materials into valuable products, expanding the competitiveness dialogue beyond mere efficient cultivation to include the valorization of materials typically considered outside the commercial process.
A central highlight of the seminar will be a panel discussion titled “Analyzing the Global Berry Sector: Challenges and Strategies for Competitiveness.” This discussion will feature representatives from various sectors, including agriculture, trade, market research, science, pest control, and sustainability, aiming to juxtapose diverse perspectives on industry challenges. Participants include Otman El Qacemi from Driscoll's Morocco, Ibrahim Bouhanch from Morocco Foodex, Philip Symons from North Bay Produce, and others, moderated by Amine Bennani.
The seminar's international character promises a rich exchange of knowledge, bringing together professionals and representatives from Morocco, Chile, and various European nations, alongside delegates from globally active companies and institutions. Simultaneous translations in English, French, Spanish, and Arabic will facilitate unrestricted participation from diverse agricultural and trading communities.
As Morocco evolves from merely increasing production to maintaining this growth with enhanced efficiency, quality, and differentiation in a fiercely competitive global market, the agenda for September 16 is set to address these pivotal themes, intertwining market dynamics, cultivation decisions, technology, and the end quality of fruits across various supply chain segments.
As reported by freshplaza.de.
