Morocco faces storms without major impact on avocado production
The rains and winds recorded in the north of the country have not caused significant damage to the harvest, boosting demand and prices for the fruit.
Recent rains and winds in northern Morocco, from Tangier to Rabat, have not caused significant damage to avocado production, despite initial concerns. According to Yassin Chaib, CEO of Mavoca, the storm was less intense than anticipated, with winds reaching up to 40 km/h and rainfall that was beneficial for a country suffering from drought. Although some growers in the Larache region reported fruit drop, losses do not exceed 10% of the remaining harvest.
Currently, between 15% and 20% of Moroccan avocados remain unharvested, equivalent to approximately 15,000-20,000 tons. Harvesting has been delayed in the pursuit of better prices, but the reduced supply of Peruvian avocados has boosted demand and driven prices up by 20% to 30% compared to the start of the season. Furthermore, the remaining fruit is primarily large (sizes 12, 14, and 16), which increases its market value.
Strong local demand, driven by the approach of Ramadan, has kept prices competitive and sales strong. According to Chaib, the quality of the fruit this season has been superior to previous years, with losses not exceeding 14%. The harvest is expected to accelerate in the coming days and conclude within 15 to 30 days, ensuring a stable supply for both the domestic and export markets.
Source: freshplaza.es
