Morocco sees positive growth in avocado exports, aiming for record season

Morocco continues to record impressive figures in avocado farming and exports, with professional insights revealing that exports between October and December 31, 2024, reached 42,000 tons.

Experts predict the 2024/2025 harvest will yield approximately 90,000 tons of avocados, with exports expected to account for 80,000 to 90,000 tons. The domestic market is anticipated to consume about 10% of the total production.

Moroccan exporters aim to accelerate export activity in the coming months, targeting April as a key milestone. The goal is to achieve planned export targets while competing with other major exporting countries, ensuring another successful season.

Abdellah Yamlahi, president of the Moroccan Avocado Association, emphasized the significance of the achievements during the first three months of the season. “This reflects the sector’s growth in Morocco and the contributions of Moroccan exporters in reaching international markets, particularly in Europe,” he stated.

Yamlahi noted that the export trajectory “is progressing well” with expectations for strengthened performance in the coming months. However, he highlighted a decline in the reference price of avocados in European markets, indicating reduced consumer demand compared to last season.

“Starting this month, we’ve observed an increase in farmgate prices, ranging between MAD 19 and MAD 20 per kilogram,” Yamlahi explained. He added that the next three months will be crucial for boosting Moroccan exports.

He urged Moroccan farmers to expedite the release of their avocado crops, citing unfavorable weather conditions of cold nights and warm days. Releasing crops now, he explained, would help Moroccan exporters achieve strong results before competing nations, such as Spain, Colombia, and Israel, flood the market.

During the 2023/2024 season, Morocco exported 60,000 tons of avocados from a total production of 70,000 tons, with the domestic market consuming only 10,000 tons.

Avocado farming has expanded significantly across Morocco in recent years, with cultivation concentrated in regions spanning Tiflet, Moulay Bousselham, and areas surrounding Larache.

As Morocco strengthens its presence in international avocado markets, exporters remain focused on navigating competitive pressures and leveraging optimal market conditions to maximize returns.