What comes to mind when you think of Morocco? The Sahara Desert, the Atlas Mountains, ancient cities, and unique local culture are all iconic images. But what about Moroccan agriculture? It employs about 40% of the nation’s workforce, making it the largest employer in the country.
Morocco has much to be proud of in its fruit and vegetable sector, setting an example for other agricultural countries. Let's explore the diverse and thriving world of Moroccan fruits.
Avocados: A Booming Export
The history of commercial avocado growing in Morocco dates back to the 1950s. Avocado smoothies with bananas, dates, almonds, sugar, and milk are popular among Moroccans and tourists alike. Avocados are one of Morocco's most important fruit and vegetable exports. In 2021, they ranked eighth in value and fourth in export growth rates over the previous five years.
In the MY 2022/23 (July-June), Moroccan avocado exports are expected to reach an all-time high, potentially exceeding 50,000 tonnes for the first time. Morocco has also been extending its avocado export season. Key importers include the UK and EU countries like Spain, France, the Netherlands, and Germany.
Greenhouse Vegetables: A Leader in Innovation
According to Rabobank, Morocco had the largest greenhouse area in Africa in 2018 and was a global leader in this regard, with an estimated 20,000 ha under greenhouses. As a result, Morocco has become a leading exporter of several greenhouse vegetables.
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Between 2018 and 2022, Morocco increased its tomato export volumes by 40% to 740,000 tonnes, and bell pepper exports grew by 20% to 170,000 tonnes. These exports are primarily focused on the EU and the UK. In 2022, Morocco became the largest supplier of tomatoes to the UK.
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Blueberries: A Success Story
Moroccan blueberry export development is a prime example of agricultural success. In 2022, exports totaled 53,000 tonnes, placing Morocco among the top exporters globally, behind Peru, Chile, and Spain. In 2017, Morocco was only the seventh largest exporter of cultivated blueberries.
Morocco has also diversified its blueberry export destinations. Initially, about 90% of exports went to Spain for re-export. By 2022, Spain's share had fallen to 36%, with Morocco now exporting directly to consumer countries. Exports to the Middle East and South-East Asia have increased almost tenfold since 2017, reaching 2,000 tonnes. Even North America, the homeland of blueberries, has seen test shipments from Morocco, with Canada importing about 100 tonnes in 2022.
Raspberries: Rapid Growth in Fresh and Frozen Markets
In 2017, Moroccan fresh raspberry exports were lower than 15,000 tonnes, making it the sixth-largest exporter globally. By 2022, almost 99% of Morocco’s fresh raspberry exports were focused on the EU and the UK. Thanks to its climatic and seasonal advantages, Morocco has been gradually closing the gap with Spain. Germany, the Netherlands, and France are also significant destinations for Moroccan fresh raspberries.
Morocco has also demonstrated active export growth in the frozen raspberry market. While Poland and Serbia remain the global leaders, they have lowered their exports, while Morocco, Ukraine, and Mexico have increased theirs. In 2022, Morocco exported 17,000 tonnes of frozen raspberries, mainly to the EU.
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Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes: New Opportunities
Morocco is the fourth-largest potato exporter in Africa, after Egypt, South Africa, and Ethiopia. The production of sweet potatoes in Morocco started later, with commercial opportunities opening up just a few years ago. In 2018, exports were just 23 tonnes, but by 2022, they had increased to 1,200 tonnes, a 50-fold increase in five years. The top buyers of Moroccan sweet potatoes in 2022 were the Netherlands, Portugal, and the UK.
Apples: A Surprising Success
It may surprise many that Morocco successfully grows apples, which are not traditionally associated with Africa. In 2022, Morocco was the second-largest African grower of apples after South Africa. Apple production dates back to the 1920s, with the foothills of the Atlas Mountains providing ideal growing conditions. The Fez-Meknès region is the main apple-producing area.
The Green Morocco Plan, launched in 2008, significantly boosted apple production. Moroccan farmers now prefer global varieties like Gala Royal, Golden Delicious, and Fuji. However, the large share of local varieties means that almost no apples are exported from Morocco.
Watermelons: Key Export Category
In 2022, the EU imported 510,000 tonnes of watermelons from non-EU countries, with Morocco accounting for more than half of that volume (271,000 tonnes). Watermelons are a key category in Moroccan fruit and vegetable exports, ranking third after tomatoes and mandarins in total export volumes. Despite a severe drought in 2022, Moroccan watermelon exports reached an all-time high.
Moroccan exports also extend to the UK, other African countries, Switzerland, and the Gulf countries. In 2022, Morocco exported 16,000 tonnes of watermelons to the UK, 4,800 tonnes to other African countries, 1,400 tonnes to Switzerland, and 790 tonnes to the Gulf countries.
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Dates and Raisins: Imports and Growth
Dates, raisins, and other dried fruits are essential ingredients in Moroccan cuisine, and Morocco is a significant producer. However, domestic date production is insufficient, leading to imports peaking in December-April. Morocco imports 80,000-110,000 tonnes of dates annually, with the UAE, Tunisia, Egypt, and Algeria being the largest suppliers.
Raisin imports are lower than date imports, but their growth rates are quite high. In 2018, Morocco imported just 6,000 tonnes of raisins, but by 2022, imports had more than doubled. Imports peak in summer, driven by increased tourism and short domestic supply. Uzbekistan and Iran, the global leaders in raisin production, are the biggest suppliers to Morocco.
Mandarins: A Focus on Global Markets
In 2022, Morocco was the fifth-largest exporter of mandarins globally. Unlike many other products, Moroccan mandarin exports are less focused on the EU market. In 2022, the EU accounted for just 21% of Morocco’s total mandarin exports, and the UK for another 9%. Russia accounted for a fifth of Morocco’s total mandarin exports, while Canada and the USA accounted for another third. Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East are actively developing destinations for Moroccan mandarins.
Nadorcott clementines are a significant category of Morocco’s fruit exports and are considered a symbol of its fruit business. Global promotion of these mandarins is led by the Association of Nadorcott Producers in Morocco, and they are marketed under the new label of Nadorine. Owner of Nadorcott variety treats its licensing rights quite scrupulously, and the fruit and vegetable business is periodically shaken by scandals related to its unauthorized use.
Government Support and Initiatives
The Moroccan government has implemented various policies and initiatives to promote fruit and vegetable exports, including subsidies, infrastructure development, and trade agreements. 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.
In addition, the country is meeting global quality standards for fruits and vegetables, which, in turn, boosts the export demand. 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.
Market Overview
In 2024, the Morocco Fruits And Vegetables Market size was estimated at USD 4.36 billion. Morocco Fruits And Vegetables analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview.
| Year | Market Size (USD Billion) |
|---|---|
| 2019 | [Data not provided] |
| 2020 | [Data not provided] |
| 2021 | [Data not provided] |
| 2022 | [Data not provided] |
| 2023 | [Data not provided] |
| 2024 (Estimate) | 4.36 |
Moroccan Fruit Juices & Nut Milks
Aside from drinking mint tea and Arabic coffee, Morocco is also a wonderful place to load up on all your vitamin C and anti-oxidants. You can enjoy a variety of some of the freshest natural fruit juices (sharbat) and shakes you will ever drink.
The country is home to gardens of apple, avocado, almonds, bananas, kiwi, plums, persimmons, nuts, grape, pomegranate, and orange trees. Djemaa El Fna Square in Marrakech is especially renowned for its mounds of oranges and other fruits, which are compound into fresh squeezed fruit juice. The juices sold in the souks (watermelon, pomegranate, grape or orange) are all concentrated and super fresh; they are made in front of you.
Here is a list of fruits and nuts available during certain times of the year.
- Spring - apricots, cherries, kiwis, peaches, and strawberries
- Summer - watermelon, wild artichokes, tomatoes
- Autumn - figs, pomegranates, grapes
- Winter - oranges, mandarins, carrots
- Seasonal - almonds, walnuts, pumpkin, bananas, lemons
The following are a few recipes for some of the most popular drinks in Morocco.
Almond Milk (Sharbat billoz)
Particularly during festivals like Ramadan, this delicately flavored drink is one of the most refreshing and popular drinks in Morocco.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup almonds
- 1/2 cup sugar or honey to taste
- 3/4 cup water
- 4 1/4 cup milk or soy milk
- 1/8 cup orange milk
Nut Milk
Nuts milk can be a healthy and delicious drink or may be used in desserts such as custards and puddings.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (cashews, almonds or other nut is your choice, (not roasted)
- 2 cups water, best if warm
- 1 tsp. honey
- Vanilla (or almond) extract
Avocado Milkshake
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cup milk (cold)
- 2 avocado
- Cinnamon
Apple Milk Drink (Sharbat)
Ingredients:
- 2 Red eating apples
- 2 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoon Rosewater or orange flower water
- 2 cups cold milk
- Shaved ice (optional)
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