When discussing the competitiveness of avocados and other fresh produce in Europe, Morocco stands out as a player with undeniable natural and geographical advantages. Its proximity to major EU markets allows for enviable transit times: in just two days, goods can reach Spain, three days in France, and between four and five days in key destinations like Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK. In practice, these delivery times are very similar to those of a shipment from Malaga, with only an additional day.

However, this logistical strength is not without its drawbacks. While Morocco is "doing very well" in terms of transport and connectivity, the port of Tangier Med—a strategic hub for the export of perishable goods—faces bottlenecks that limit its efficiency. One of the most frequent criticisms is the lack of differentiation between cargo flows: textiles, perishable goods, and non-perishable products share spaces and processes, which slows down operations that, in the case of fruit, should be much more agile.

Added to this is a less visible but equally crucial factor: the need for strict controls in the Strait. The work of customs and the police is not limited to commercial goods; it also addresses sensitive regional issues that demand a level of rigor which inevitably impacts processing times.

This is where the discussion begins: how to balance the imperative of security with the urgency of logistical efficiency? The answer is not simple, but it is key. If Morocco manages to move towards a more specialized port system, where perishables benefit from a separate and efficient channel, its growth potential as a reliable supplier to Europe could multiply.

In a global context where freshness and speed make all the difference, Morocco already has a geographical advantage. What's at stake now is the ability to transform that advantage into a logistics system that meets the demands of the European market.

Yassin Chaib Export Manager Mavoca Morocco