The first Moroccan watermelons have been arriving on the local market for a while now, but the season will only start in full swing in 10-15 days, according to Moroccan exporter Ahmed Bouljid. Bouljid adds that “this season will be a break with the last few seasons, with a huge volume of watermelons from Morocco, in large calibers and excellent quality.”
Bouljid says, “Growers are learning from the mistakes of past seasons and adapting. I don’t think there will be widespread disease problems like the downy mildew and viruses we’ve seen lately. All the growers I know have used resistant rootstocks and a well-behaved variety. The climate conditions are also good this season, with enough rain and sunshine. I can say with confidence that this year’s watermelons will be wonderful, and that’s good news for watermelon enthusiasts on the local and export markets.”
According FreshPlaza, watermelon planting has been restricted in recent seasons due to the drought the country is experiencing. Bouljid adds, “We had a lot of rain in March, which encouraged watermelon planting. Yields are also high, with estimates of up to 70-75 tonnes per hectare,” the exporter continues.
Read also: No water – no watermelon: Moroccan watermelon exports hit an 8-year low due to water issues
The early watermelons present on the local market are generally in small sizes, but Bouljid reassures, “The sizes expected this season will be mostly 9kg and above. The production we see now on the local market is not representative. It comes very early and comes from greenhouses.”
“We have to wait for the first watermelons from Zagora as usual, whose harvest is starting imminently”, the exporter continues. “Volumes from Zagora and Mhamid Elghizlane will be significantly higher than last season. Then there will be production in Agadir in two weeks, followed by Marrakech, Chichaoua, and Beni Mellal, then Gharb region and Meknes, and finally Moulay Bousselhem and Larache, which will close the season with harvests lasting until September.”
In terms of demand, the first signs of a successful season are already visible, according to Bouljid.”European importers are already coming to see the farms and secure their orders. Many buyers want to be the first to enter the market. The weather in Europe this summer will be tropical, which will boost demand for watermelons. And I have good news for the local market too: prices will be lower than last season thanks to consistent volumes.”
Recognizing new market potential, Moroccan exporters are now looking beyond their traditional import partners. In April 2025, the FAO and EBRD, in collaboration with FoodEx Morocco, will organize a trade mission for Moroccan fruit and vegetable exporters to Southeast Asia. This initiative aims to strengthen commercial ties between Morocco, one of the leading producers in the fresh and frozen produce segment, and Southeast Asia, a region with one of the fastest-growing fruit and vegetable import markets.
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