"High demand from Russia for Moroccan blood oranges"

Maroc Fruit Europe is a Dutch company which has been busy for many years importing Moroccan fruit and vegetables. The founder of Maroc Fruit Europe, Hicham Kissami, built up plenty of experience in Morocco working at different packing stations, and sees big potential for Moroccan production and exports due to its handy location, cultivation modernization and favourable growing climate.

Maroc Fruit Europe presently package Moroccan lemons, w.sanquine, sanquinelli and Salustiana's. "We are currently busy with oranges. Moroccan orange production is large, but because of the small sizes there are few available for export, which remain on the domestic market," explained Hicham. "Export to Europe is slow also because of the supply of Egyptian Valencia's."

Export of blood oranges is progressing well. "We have plenty of trade available. Europe is a relatively small market for blood oranges, but there is a huge export to Russia with good prices," said Hicham enthusiastically. "Many European companies expect export of Moroccan lemons to Russia to be difficult, but they don't have the right information. The truth is that many Moroccan exporters have hedged their trade and Russian customers have prepaid 80-90%. Russia therefore remains an interesting market."

Lemons are marketing at a price level of 10-11 Euro, which Hicham thinks is pretty good. "At the beginning of March we are expecting the first Valencia's but we have begun with Maroc Late. De market traditionally starts slowly because Egypt starts at the same time, but from May/June it usually picks up again," concluded Hicham.

For more information:
Maroc Fruit Europe B.V.
Hicham Kissami
Tel Morocco: +212-6270 39 163
info@marocfruiteurope.com
www.marocfruiteurope.com