The 2025 lychee season opened on November 20 in Analamalotra in Madagascar's eastern production region. Growers report good early-season quality and higher yields compared to last year.
The farmgate price reached 2,150 ariary (US$0.48) per kilo, up from 1,000 ariary (US$0.22) in 2024. The increase provides producers with improved returns after several months of uncertainty in the region's fruit sector.
According to Tody Ernest, president of the Ainga Miara-Mamiratra cooperative, the marketing process is more structured this year. He said, "Producers know the price before the harvest, which facilitates planning and limits losses. Local cooperatives are thus strengthening their position in the lychee value chain, a vital sector for the economy of the East Coast."
Export projections for 2025 are close to 20,000 tons, much of which is destined for European markets. Ahead of the first shipment, the Minister of Trade and Consumer Affairs, Andriamadison Haingotiana, visited Ivoloina-Toamasina to meet growers and observe harvest preparations. The minister also visited Emexal, an exporting company recently affected by a fire, to provide technical and moral support.
The vessel Atlantic Klipper has arrived in Toamasina to load the first containers of the season. Government officials announced that export quotas will be distributed more evenly among participants in the sector. Authorities say the aim is to widen access for small and medium-sized enterprises and align the lychee campaign with broader economic recovery measures focused on employment and local production.
The 2025 campaign will continue through the coming weeks as harvesting areas across the eastern region progress through their peak volumes. Export logistics are currently centred on the Toamasina port platform, where container loading is underway.
Source: Capmad
