A first container of Moroccan citrus fruit has been officially unloaded in Japan, bringing the Kingdom of Morocco into one of the world's most demanding markets in terms of quality and traceability, Morocco Foodex announced on Thursday.
This success showcases "the competitiveness of Moroccan agricultural products and an internationally recognized know-how," stated the agency in charge of promoting and controlling Morocco's agricultural and maritime exports.
Japan is the thirteenth biggest market for Morocco's agri-food products and is well known for its strict requirements, the agency stated. "Their acceptance of Moroccan citrus fruits, in particular the prized Nadorcott, is proof that these products comply with the most rigorous sanitary standards and opens the way to a diversification of the exported varieties, according to market preferences," it added.
"We want Moroccan citrus because the Japanese love them," stated Yoichi Fukuda, a Japanese importer, highlighting the growing interest of Japanese consumers in Moroccan quality.
With a food culture focused on freshness and seasonality, Japanese fresh fruit consumption is high, which makes it an important outlet for Moroccan citrus.
"The Japanese have a good image of Morocco. We wish Moroccan citrus much success and development in Japan," stated Kento Takegami, purchasing manager at a Japanese import company.
To reinforce this progress, Morocco Foodex will accompany a delegation of ten Moroccan exporters to Japan in April.
The goal is to forge lasting partnerships with the main importers and publicize the Moroccan offer through BtoB meetings, visits to the Tokyo market, and a communication campaign.
For more information: www.maroc.ma