Page 34 - AA 2024

Morocco

Moroccan Fruits and Vegetables Market Analysis

The Morocco Fruits and Vegetables Market size is estimated
at USD 4.37 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD
5.37 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 4.21% during the
forecast period (2024-2029).
• The growing demand for fresh fruits and vegetables owing
to an increase in consumer awareness of healthier alternatives,
a growing economy, rising organic produce in the country,
increased focus on fresh produce exports, and increasing
fresh produce production from modern agriculture practices,
including greenhouses and vertical farming, are some of the
factors expected to drive the market growth over the forecast
period.
• In Morocco, the consumption of healthier food is on the rise.
More people in the country are shifting toward micronutrient-
rich foods over animal-based diets. This change in dietary
habits is attributed to the increasing health awareness in the
country. Further, the rising incomes and growing economy
are expected to significantly boost the demand for fresh fruits for tomatoes. Further, the European Union and Russia have
and vegetables in the near future. However, some factors, such remained the country’s leading destinations of fresh produce
as unfavorable and unpredictable weather conditions in the exports. The country is planning to diversify its exports to
country and crop losses due to pests and diseases, are likely to supply countries in the Middle East and Africa. Therefore, with
restrain the market growth during the forecast period. the increasing demand for fresh produce in the export market,
• Furthermore, Morocco’s fruits and vegetable market is the area under the fresh produce is expanding, which in turn
driven by government initiatives in the agri-food sector. Over is fuelling the growth of the market studied during the forecast
the years, the food sector in Morocco has been experiencing
steady growth. This can be attributed to the various initiatives period.
undertaken by the government to promote the growth of the Orange Dominates the Fruits segment
agri-food sector. The production of oranges takes place all over the country
• For instance, in 2021, the government in the country planned and is strongly related to weather conditions and market
to promote investment climate reforms in Morocco’s agri-food windows. The orange is the most planted fruit in Morocco, with
sector. The initiative is focused on promoting sustainable
investments in the agri-food sector. Many such initiatives approximately 60,525 hectares of area harvested and producing
are resulting in an increase in agricultural production in the 10,393,82 metric tons in 2021, compared to other fruits, namely
country, which is driving the growth of the market. watermelons, grapes, avocados, blueberries, strawberries,
and watermelon. Orange is a major fruit-producing commodity
Moroccan Fruits and for Morocco, and the country’s government has aimed various
Vegetables Market Trends initiatives to improve fruit production. For instance, in 2020,
the country’s government Provided a $1,143/ha subsidy for
This section covers the major market trends shaping the
Morocco Fruits & Vegetables Market according to our research creating new citrus, including orange plantations, using a drip
experts: irrigation technique.
Increased Focus on Fresh Produce Exports Moreover, the increase in production was brought about by
Over the years, the country has worked hard to retain its adopting new technologies, effective use of agrochemicals,
position as the global exporter of high-quality fresh fruits and and favorable policies. In 2021, Morocco exported USD 67,644
vegetables. Fresh fruit exports have dramatically increased to Thousand to countries worldwide, as per ITC Trade Map.
95% of all exported fresh goods. The country currently exports Further, domestic consumption of fresh oranges is growing
over 50 fruits and vegetables, including citrus fruits, tomatoes, as consumers demand freshly squeezed orange juice in
green beans, zucchini, pumpkins, berries, etc. Citrus fruits their homes, bakeries, and restaurants. They also look for
and tomatoes lead in fresh produce exports, occupying the
market’s major share. pasteurized juice produced at factories operating in the
country. The domestic market for fresh oranges has become
According to the FAOSTAT, Morocco’s tomato production
increased from 13,470,85 metric tons in 2019 to 13,988,31.1 a major consumer of Morocco’s total orange production. Thus,
in 2020. This growth can be attributed largely to favorable the local and regional demand is thus expected to drive the
production conditions and an increase in the hectares planted production of oranges in Morocco during the forecast period.
32 Arab Agriculture 2024