The Moroccan orange season is progressing with the late variety Maroc Late, whose season runs from April to August. According to Soufiane Bendennoune of Citrus Mogador, the season is following a normal course and does not seem to be influenced by the hasty end of the season in Egypt and Spain. "I don't see any shortage of oranges on the global market," he adds.
© Citrus Mogador
Bendennoune explains: "The market situation is not extraordinary. Demand and prices are stable in our main markets - Canada, Europe, and the Middle East - compared with last year. Prices are a little better, but last season was an anomaly with too much Egyptian supply."
Moroccan production of Maroc Late is down on the previous season, according to the exporter. He adds that "growers are going through a challenging transition period, marked by a flooded market, persistent drought in Morocco, combined with pests outbreaks. This year is also a year of alternating volumes. As a result, volumes are 30% lower than last season."
© Citrus Mogador
The exporter expects orange markets to stabilize as early as next season: "I'm hoping for a stabilization of supply worldwide, as this is what will determine prices. So far, the market has been enormously disrupted by Egypt, which is good for no one, including them. I think the emergence of orange juice concentrate plants in Egypt will help other origins, including Morocco."
Fewer Egyptian oranges mean a more comfortable market position for Morocco, but will this translate into an increase in acreage? Bendennoune answers: "The market potential is there, but you have to realize that what limits the acreage in Morocco is drought and access to water. Moroccan growers have been caught off guard recently and have experienced tough times."
© Citrus Mogador
"I'm still very optimistic about next season. At the same time that the international market and supply are evolving, we are seeing a clear improvement in quality in Morocco. Most growers have brought their orchards up to standard, encouraged by a strong local market that rewards quality. I believe that Moroccan oranges will regain their competitiveness and presence soon," Bendennoune concludes.
For more information:
Soufiane Bendennoune
Citrus Mogador
Tel: +212 690-191337
Email: [email protected]
