The Moroccan blueberry season seems to be emerging unscathed despite a number of adverse factors, according to Mehdi Benchekroun, a Moroccan exporter of general fresh produce.
Benchekroun told FreshPlaza: "The first harvests took place at the end of December in the Loukkos/Gharb axis (northwest), which is the main production area in Morocco, and earlier in the Souss Massa region. The season is starting slowly but surely, with volumes increasing and a peak anticipated at the end of January. The produce is of excellent quality and diverse size, promising a good campaign." The acreage dedicated to berries in Morocco has risen by almost 30% this year, as reported by industry insiders. This increase is a result of a significant number of growers switching from strawberries to blueberries and blackberries.
"Blueberry growers were very lucky given all the hardships we saw all over the country," adds Benchekroun. "The heatwave in August and the storm that hit the Atlantic coast in October caused significant losses for many soft fruits, but blueberries were fortunately not yet ready to harvest. Cold temperatures caused soil desiccation, but this issue was ultimately resolved with additional irrigation. It took a great deal of effort and farming operations to adapt to the unpredictable climate, but yields remained unaffected."
In terms of prices, things are not yet clear, says Benchekroun: "There is still a lot of uncertainty, and it is still too premature to establish an average price. Nevertheless, farm-gate prices have never fallen below those of the previous season, despite daily fluctuations."
Morocco is currently benefiting from a period of low competition in the international market, adds Benchekroun. "The Peruvian calendars are ending, and Spain will not enter the market until March. This makes a window of 1 to 2 months of calm competition and satisfactory prices for Moroccan exporters."
As for demand, there are no major changes, says Benchekroun. "The bulk of volumes are absorbed by the international marketplaces in the Netherlands, France, and Spain, for re-export throughout Europe and Russia."
What stands out this season, according to the exporter, is the fact that payment methods are getting tighter. He says, "With inflation, everyone now needs liquidity and the cash in circulation is no longer sufficient. Everyone, from suppliers of agricultural inputs to growers and exporters, is demanding payment in advance."
For more information:
Mehdi Benchekroun
DMB & CO
Tel.: +212661214337
Email: [email protected]