Morocco's berry sector is moving away from strawberries toward raspberries and blueberries, driven by changing market conditions, profitability, and European demand.
In the 2024-2025 season, Morocco exported 64,400 tons of raspberries worth nearly US$487 million, a 13.8% increase from the previous year. Raspberries are now the country's second-largest agricultural export after tomatoes. The United Kingdom was the largest buyer, taking more than 30% of exports, followed by Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, and France.
Blueberry exports also expanded. In the 2023-2024 season, Morocco exported 67,300 tons of fresh blueberries, up 25% from the previous season, consolidating its position as the fourth-largest berry exporter worldwide.
Strawberry production continues to decline. Cultivation has dropped from about 3,700 hectares in 2022 to 2,300 hectares in 2025. Growers cite lower margins, stronger competition from Egypt, and weather-related risks as the main factors. Raspberries and blueberries are seen as less labor-intensive and more stable in returns.
According to Nabil Belmkaddem, director of the BestBerry cooperative, "the shift isn't just about switching fruits, but about building resilience by choosing markets, seasonality, and long-term viability."
Strawberries are harvested between November and March, while raspberries run from September to June, and blueberries from October to June. This extended calendar allows Morocco to cover supply gaps in the European off-season.
Loukkos and Agadir remain key growing regions, but production is expanding to new areas. Dakhla is developing as a hub supported by desalinated seawater irrigation, while the Atlas region is producing summer blueberries, further stretching the export window.
Producers are increasingly adopting greenhouses, improved varieties, and larger nursery trays to raise yields. While blueberries require a higher initial investment, they are considered more profitable in the long term.
Constraints remain. Water scarcity, climate variability, rising input costs, and labor shortages are affecting production. Compliance with stricter European phytosanitary standards adds to costs, and inflation continues to pressure margins.
Despite these challenges, growers are investing in local nurseries, irrigation systems, and new technologies to maintain export capacity. Proximity to Europe and an established workforce continue to support Morocco's role in the berry trade.
The move from strawberries to raspberries and blueberries reflects adjustments to global demand, economics, and climate conditions. Morocco's berry production strategy is being reshaped around resilience, extended seasons, and diversification of growing regions.
Source: Morocco World News
