The avocado season in Morocco is progressing at a slower pace than expected, but with positive prospects for surpassing record export volumes, according to Abdellah Elyamlahi, president of the Moroccan Avocado Association. As of January 7, the country had already exported 30,000 tons of avocados for the 2023-2024 season, reaching 70% of its 60,000-ton target. This ambitious goal represents a new all-time record for exports and highlights the outstanding performance of the avocado sector in Morocco.

Despite facing natural and commercial challenges from the start of the season, Morocco has had to overcome factors such as Storm Bernard in October, which resulted in the loss of 6,000 tons of fruit, and problems with sizes not in demand by the market. Furthermore, difficulties in establishing prices in October and initial speculation led to a slowdown in exports. Intense competition from Latin American sources affected prices, but stabilization occurred in January, coinciding with low volumes from Chile and Colombia.

Although Morocco is currently competing with Spain and Israel in the European market, prices remain stable. However, demand has decreased compared to the previous season due to an exceptional lack of interest from end consumers in avocados. Despite these challenges, the main destinations for Moroccan avocados remain the Netherlands and Spain, followed by Germany and France.

Despite the severe drought in Morocco, Elyamlahi is confident that restrictions on avocado production will not extend beyond the suspension of subsidies for irrigation facilities. He asserts that the northern region, where most of the production is located, has experienced ample rainfall and boasts enormous reserves of groundwater.

Source: Fresh Plaza