The arrival of summer fruits in Morocco overshadows imported fruit, but certain products continue to be in high demand. Mohammed Kadri, of Del Monte Morocco, a fruit importer, shares his insights on the market.
Kadri says: "We import fruit all year round, and the dynamics of the market and imports differ from one product to another this summer. For instance, although bananas are imported into Morocco year-round, there has been a recent decline in volumes due to global supply issues. Pineapple and kiwi imports have also declined, as consumers are turning to locally produced seasonal fruits such as watermelons, melons, and stone fruits."
© Del Monte
The importer continues, "On the other hand, there is high demand in the Moroccan market for pears, which we import from Argentina; avocados, which come from Peru; and mangoes, which we currently import from Senegal, later switching to Egypt."
Demand for other fruits in the Moroccan market is still present but lower, such as for apples and stone fruits of European origin. "Some importers bring in groupage containers of various European fruits, but that's not something we do at Del Monte Morocco," Kadri adds.
According to Kadri, demand for imported fruit in Morocco remains stable despite inflation. He explains: "There has been an evolution in the volume of imported fruit over the last three or four years, with occasional drops caused by high prices. It depends on each product. In general, however, I would say that fruit consumption remains firmly rooted in consumer habits in Morocco and is resistant to inflation. Moroccan consumers are not looking for the highest quality, but they're not seeking the lowest prices either."
© Del Monte
The importer outlines the Moroccan market in terms of fruit preferences. "Typically, consumers in Morocco do not like to eat out-of-season fruit, which is why products that overlap with the Moroccan season, such as grapes, are rarely imported. Otherwise, I would say that habits are similar to those of European consumers and different from consumption habits in other Arab countries. For example, there is a preference for large sizes in Morocco, as well as for specific varieties, such as Hass avocados and Kent mangoes. It is also interesting to note that consumer preferences vary by region. In northern Morocco, for example, consumers prefer larger sizes, whereas, in the south, smaller sizes are favoured."
For more information:
Kadri Mohammed
Del Monte Morocco
Email: [email protected]
www.freshdelmonte.com
