Morocco: A Growing Force in Sustainable Fruit and Vegetable Exports

Morocco is rapidly becoming a key player in the global fruit and vegetable trade, EastFruit writes. Despite its arid climate and chronic water scarcity, the country has emerged as the third fastest-growing exporter of fruits and vegetables in the world, thanks to a resilient and forward-thinking agricultural sector.

A Long-Term, Strategic Business Culture

“Having worked in Morocco for the past three years, I’ve come to appreciate the country’s distinct business culture. Unlike markets driven by short-term gains, Moroccan companies typically adopt a fundamental and long-term approach to business development,” says Andriy Yarmak, Economist at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO UN).

This approach is particularly evident in how Moroccan agribusinesses address sustainability. “For Moroccan agribusiness it is not just as a buzzword, but a genuine operational and strategic priority,” Andriy Yarmak explains. Some Moroccan agribusinesses now have dedicated sustainability directors integrated into their corporate structures, reflecting a deep commitment to environmental and social responsibility.

Thriving in a Challenging Climate

Morocco’s biggest challenge is its desert-like climate. In some production regions, it may not rain for up to five months at a time, making water a precious and limited resource. Yet, Morocco continues to produce a wide range of fresh fruits and vegetables for global markets.

This success is a testament to the resilience and innovation of Moroccan producers. They have adopted advanced irrigation systems, soil management practices, and climate-smart agriculture to overcome environmental constraints.

Read also: Morocco’s Citrus Industry: A Global Powerhouse Fueling Markets with Excellence and Innovation

Leading Export Sectors

Tomatoes
Morocco is a leading global exporter of fresh tomatoes, particularly cherry and grape varieties. Thanks to the abundant sunlight in regions like Souss-Massa, Moroccan tomatoes boast high lycopene levels (90–100 mg/kg, based on EU import testing).

Read also: Moroccan Tomatoes: Sun-Kissed Flavor, Growing Market Potential

Production systems are modern, sustainable, and in line with global best practices, resulting in high-quality tomatoes with excellent Brix levels. Post-harvest processes are equally advanced, allowing for customized packaging and delivery.

According to Fatiha Charrat, Deputy Managing Director of Delassus Group, Morocco’s tomato exports have thrived despite years of drought. The sector reached 690,000 tons this season, a 19% year-over-year increase, with non-round tomatoes accounting for 58%. Year-round, packaged-at-source shipments serve high-demand markets like the UK, Germany, and Northern Europe, reflecting the sector’s growing professionalism.

Read also: Moroccan Citrus Cooperative M’Brouka Sets Sights on Singapore and Malaysia

Citrus
Citrus production is concentrated in regions such as Souss-Massa, Marrakech-Safi, Beni Mellal-Khenifra, Gharb, and Berkane. Souss-Massa alone contributes nearly 32% of Morocco’s total citrus output, spanning more than 40,000 hectares.

The country is renowned for its Nadorcott clementine, patented in 1995 after testing by the National Institute of Agronomic Research (INRA Maroc) confirmed its unique traits.
According to North Africa Post, Morocco’s citrus exports are projected to reach 597,000 tons in the 2024–2025 season — a 31% increase from the previous year — positioning Morocco as the third-largest citrus exporter in Africa, behind South Africa and Egypt.

Other Products

Morocco also exports avocados, cucumbers, peppers, and berries of exceptional quality. These products are increasingly making their way into premium retail chains around the world.

Strategic Advantages

• Geographic Location: Proximity to Europe enables fast and cost-effective transportation.
• Climate Diversity: Varied climate zones allow year-round cultivation of multiple crops.
• Modern Agriculture: Investments in infrastructure and farming technologies have enhanced both productivity and quality.

Read also: Morocco sets new record for frozen strawberry exports to Japan

Expanding into Southeast Asia

To unlock new growth opportunities, FAO  UN and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) are supporting FoodEx Morocco in organizing a trade mission for Moroccan fruit and vegetable exporters to Southeast Asia — specifically, Singapore and Malaysia.

“These fast-growing Asian markets offer excellent potential for Moroccan produce, especially when backed by strong sustainability credentials,” says AndriyYarmak. “This initiative aims to open new markets and enhance the global reach of Moroccan fruit and vegetable producers.”

Why Morocco for Southeast Asia?

• Rapidly developing supplier of premium-quality fresh produce with established markets in the EU, UK, and Canada.
• Unique seasonal window for seedless easy-peelers (November–April), competing with China and Pakistan.
• Fast-growing exports of fresh berries, especially blueberries — tripled in five years.
• Premium tomato varieties (cherry, on-the-vine, beefsteak, pink), already present in Singapore and Malaysia.
• Premium dates, fresh avocados, and frozen berries for the region’s booming frozen segment.
• High-value speciality crops that justify air freight costs.

Supporting Export Growth Through Collaboration

This initiative is part of a larger collaborative effort between FAO and EBRD to strengthen agricultural exports and promote sustainable development.

FAO’s mission is to ensure global access to nutritious, affordable, and high-quality food. EBRD complements this with financial support for sectors like agriculture, infrastructure, and industry in developing economies.

In Morocco — where agricultural exports are essential to funding imports of staple food — such partnerships are crucial. They enable the private sector to access new markets, meet international standards, and scale operations sustainably.

With decades of combined experience in agricultural export development, the FAO and EBRD team remain committed to supporting Morocco’s continued rise as a global leader in sustainable fruit and vegetable exports.

At the end of April 2025, another historical trade mission will be organized by FAO and EBRD for fresh produce exporters from Morocco to Singapore and Malaysia. Detailed information about this event is available here and at the event’s landing page.