MOROCCO – Morocco has scaled new heights in fruit and vegetable exports to Canada marking a 33% annual growth in US Dollars from 2018 to 2023.
This upward trajectory has continued with Morocco achieving a remarkable 14% increase in tons and an impressive 33% surge in US dollars annually for the fourth consecutive year, according to a report by EastFruit.
In 2023 alone, Moroccan exporters shipped nearly 94 thousand tons of fresh, frozen, and dried produce to Canada, amounting to a substantial USD 95 million.
This noteworthy surge is a testament to Morocco’s growing prominence in the Canadian market, showcasing a substantial rise from 56 thousand tons and USD 30 million just four years ago.
The backbone of this surge in exports lies in the dominance of mandarins, which accounted for a staggering 83% of the total weight in Moroccan exports to Canada.
Oranges trailed behind at 12%, with the remainder including frozen fruits and vegetables, fresh blueberries, lemons, grapefruits, and various other items.
The standout performer, mandarins experienced a 29% increase, reaching an impressive 78 thousand tons.
On the flip side, sales of oranges and frozen strawberries witnessed slight declines of 11 thousand tons and 5.1 thousand tons, respectively.
Quoting the report, “The surge in mandarin shipments played a pivotal role in the overall growth of Moroccan exports to the Canadian market.”
Canada, being one of the world’s largest consumers of fruit and vegetable products, ranks ninth and twelfth in the global importation of mandarins and oranges, respectively.
It also holds the fifth position as the largest buyer of frozen garden strawberries and fresh blueberries globally.
Morocco, emerging as a key player in the Canadian market, stands as the leading supplier of mandarins, contributing a significant third of all imports of these fruits.
In the orange segment, Moroccan exporters secured the fourth position among suppliers to Canada, with a share of about 7%. The North African nation also claimed the fifth position as a supplier of frozen strawberries.
In a surprising turn of events, Poland emerges as the fastest-growing market for Moroccan fruits and vegetables, witnessing a remarkable average annual growth rate of 67% over the past five years.
While Poland’s share in Moroccan exports remains modest, around 1%, the growth rate is undeniably impressive.
Notable products driving this growth include greenhouse tomatoes, fresh blueberries, frozen and fresh raspberries, tangerines, watermelons, and avocados.
Quoting the EastFruit experts, “Poland stands out with an astounding 67% annual growth in fruit and vegetable imports from Morocco.”
As for Canada, the country demonstrates a steady annual increase in imports from Morocco, surging by 21% or $18 million each year.
This elevation has catapulted Canada into the list of the top seven most significant markets for Moroccan produce, solidifying its position as a key player in the global trade of clementines, tangerines, citrus fruits, frozen strawberries, and fresh blueberries from Morocco.
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