Market Trends of Morocco Fruits And Vegetables Industry
Rising Exports of Fruits and Vegetables is Fueling the Market
The Moroccan government has implemented various policies and initiatives to promote fruit and vegetable exports. These include subsidies, infrastructure development, and trade agreements with other countries. Moroccan agricultural policy aims to modernize the sector, improve productivity, stimulate exports, and develop green and innovative agriculture. For instance, in 2023, the Government of Morocco subsidized three vegetable crops, namely tomato, potato, and onion production. The govt provides a subsidy of USD 3,945 to 6,905 per hectare for tomato production. USD 789 to 1,479 for potato production and USD 394 to 493 for onion production. In addition, the country is meeting global quality standards for fruits and vegetables, which, in turn, boosts the export demand. For instance, Moroccan fruits and vegetables consistently adhere to international standards for pesticide residues, as per the 2021 report from the National Office of Food Safety (ONSSA).
According to the FAOSTAT, Morocco's tomato production increased from 13,111,01 metric tons in 2021 to 13,88542 metric tons in 2022. This uptick is primarily due to favorable production conditions and an expansion in the hectares dedicated to tomato cultivation. Additionally, while the European Union and Russia have historically been the top destinations for Morocco's fresh produce exports, the nation is now eyeing diversification, targeting markets in the Middle East and Africa. As demand for fresh produce surges in the export arena, Morocco is expanding its cultivation areas, propelling the growth of the market under study during the forecast period.
Orange Dominates the Fruits segment
Oranges are cultivated nationwide in Morocco, with production heavily influenced by weather patterns and market dynamics. In 2022, Morocco harvested oranges from around 60,580 hectares, yielding an impressive 1,248,308.38 metric tons. This dominance in orange cultivation stands out compared to other fruits like watermelons, grapes, avocados, blueberries, and strawberries. Recognizing the significance of oranges, the Moroccan government has launched initiatives to bolster fruit production. For instance, the country has a free trade agreement with the United States and the European Union for agricultural products such as fruits and vegetables. Domestic consumption accounts for 80% of the production, and 10% is exported, as per the USDA International Agricultural Trade Report.
Technological advancements, judicious use of agrochemicals, and supportive policies have fueled this production surge. According to the ITC Trade Map, in 2022, Morocco's orange exports reached 120,344 metric tons globally. Domestically, there's a rising appetite for fresh oranges, especially for freshly squeezed juice, in homes, bakeries, and restaurants. Consumers also seek pasteurized juice from local factories. This increasing domestic demand positions the local market as a primary consumer of Morocco's orange yield. Given this trend, local and regional appetites are poised to further bolster orange production in Morocco in the coming years.
