Morocco is a key supplier of citrus in the northern hemisphere with a supply window from December through June. Salix Fruits, a global importer and exporter of fresh fruit, has been importing Moroccan mandarins and oranges into the US for four years.
Vince Biasibetti, Executive Sales for the United States at Salix Fruits, recently visited with citrus producers in Morocco, and is sharing some insights. “The visit was focused on evaluating the Moroccan citrus season, primarily mandarins and oranges, with a keen eye on crucial aspects such as quality, availability of sizes, and volume of supply,” said Biasibetti. “The main goal was to build closer relationships with the producers and gain a better understanding of their operations and farms", he added. “Continuous engagement and the establishment of strong relationships in Morocco are crucial as they enable us to maintain consistent volume and superior quality, yielding positive outcomes for both clients and suppliers.”
Drought
Morocco’s citrus season has been impacted by a severe drought. “While the overall volume remains unaffected, the offering will be more concentrated on smaller-sized fruits, particularly mandarins (Nadorcott) and oranges (Maroc Late). The farms visited in Marrakech and Beni Mellal showed varying degrees of impact from the drought on production. “Fortunately, cosmetic and internal quality shouldn't be much affected,” he added.
Citrus destined for the US is shipped into the New York Terminals as well as Philadelphia. “The visit aimed to secure the necessary volume for programs with our clients in the US and explore possibilities for Trading clients, further solidifying our presence in the market.” It also allowed for the exploration of new business opportunities and learning about lesser-known varieties in the American market, expanding Salix Fruits’ product portfolio.
Foreign Supplier Verification Program
Another important factor in Biasibetti’s visit to production sites in Morocco was the FDA’s Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP). The program aims to ensure that foreign supplies of food and beverages meet the same safety requirements as US-based companies. “Tracking the implementation of this program with our suppliers was an important factor in our visit. Ensuring compliance with the programs allows us to guarantee that food safety required by the FDA and compliance with public health protection standards, including safety guidelines, preventive controls, and proper labeling.”
"Conducting visits to production areas before each import season is crucial for optimal preparation. Therefore, the operations team from the United States is planning to visit lemon plantations in Argentina for the 2024 pre-season," Biasibetti concluded.
For more information:
Vince Biasibetti
Salix Fruits
Tel: +1 267-776-4777
[email protected]
www.salixfruits.com