In recent years, the cultivation of avocados has expanded in Morocco, reaching a production of about 12,000 tonnes per year. "At the moment, we are exporting about 20% of our national production," explains Hicham El Airaj, supply and export manager at the Arbor Group. This wouldn't be possible without the Green Morocco Plan; a project that gives support and facilitates the growth of the country's agricultural producers. Following this strategy, the goal is to reach 1,800 hectares of crops, with the consequent rise in exports.
At present, the Arbor Group exports to European Union countries, such as Spain, France, the United Kingdom, etc., and also to the Middle East by air. The country exports a total of 2,000 tonnes per year, leaving about 8,000 tonnes of the Zutano, Bacon, Fuerte and Hass varieties in the domestic market. "The reason why most of the production stays in the country is because the price is very good, and the Hass variety is especially appreciated," assures El Airaj. However, when it comes to the local price versus the export price, especially in the northern part of the EU, some neighbouring countries, such as Spain, which produce about 40,000 to 60,000 tonnes a year, come to Morocco to buy the goods in bulk and sell them in Spain under a Spanish brand," states El Airaj.
In terms of availability, the demand from Morocco is very high, especially in the month of Ramadan, when 35% of the annual production is consumed. However, there are enough companies in the country to be able to cover the needs of the market.
More information:
Hicham El Airaj
Arbor Group
Tel. +212 696429328