Spain, the European Union's leading avocado producer, has experienced a significant shift in its export dynamics: Morocco has positioned itself as one of the most important suppliers of avocados during the first quarter of the year. Between January and March 2025, the Alawite Kingdom exported more than 29,000 tons of this fruit to Spain, valued at €72.8 million, temporarily displacing Peru, the traditional leader in this trade.

The data comes from the declared trade statistics of the Customs and Excise Department of the Spanish Tax Agency, used by the Spanish Government to respond to a parliamentary inquiry in Congress. According to these figures, Spanish avocado imports from Morocco increased by 73% in volume and 41.2% in value compared to the same period in 2024.

Furthermore, Spanish domestic avocado production, concentrated mainly in Andalusia and the Canary Islands, is at its lowest point between January and March. This seasonality explains the surge in imports from third countries during this period. Although Spain accounts for 80% of the EU's avocado cultivation area (21,290 hectares), according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA), it needs to rely on the international market to meet winter demand.

In this context, Morocco has gained ground not only due to its geographical proximity and logistical capacity, but also because of the professionalization of the local sector. Abdellah Elyamlahi, president of the Moroccan Avocado Association (MAVA), emphasizes that the 2024/25 season has been historic:

“This season we have achieved a national production of 130,000 tons, of which about 100,000 tons have been exported, a record for the country. We hope to reach 140,000 tons exported next year, weather permitting,” Elyamlahi stated in remarks made in May 2025, based on MAVA data.

Despite its export success, Morocco faces structural challenges such as water scarcity. The Moroccan government has adopted restrictive measures such as suspending irrigation subsidies for certain crops, including avocados. Nevertheless, Elyamlahi remains optimistic:

“I don’t believe the restrictions will go beyond this measure. The sector has adapted well, and the government is aware of its strategic value,” he stated in February 2024.

Furthermore, Elyamlahi acknowledged that part of the success of this campaign is due to the good size and quality of the Hass avocado, the most in-demand variety in the European market.

A strategic competition for Latin America

Traditional suppliers like Peru, Colombia, and Chile have seen their market share in Spain decline in the first quarter of the year. In the case of Peru, exports to Spain fell by 53%, due in part to their seasonality (concentrated between May and September), which has opened a strategic window for Moroccan avocados.

According to data from the Tax Agency, while Morocco led the supply with €72.8M, Portugal was the second supplier with €20.3M, followed by Peru (€9.7M), Colombia (€7.7M) and Chile (€4.3M).

With sustained growth and the support of associations like MAVA, Morocco is emerging not only as a reliable supplier to the Spanish market, but also as a structurally relevant player. If Elyamlahi's predictions come true, in just a few years the country could compete head-to-head with Latin American giants, even outside of the off-season in Europe.