Morocco continues to strengthen its position in the global fresh raspberry market, demonstrating remarkable export growth to the Middle East, according to EastFruit. Recent data highlights Morocco’s strategic expansion into key regional markets, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, and Qatar. A combination of seasonal supply advantages, premium product quality, and targeted market entry strategies has fueled the growing success of Moroccan raspberries in this region.
The Moroccan fresh raspberry exports to Middle Eastern countries exceeded 700 metric tons during the first nine months of marketing year (MY) 2024/25. This volume not only surpasses exports from MY 2022/23 and 2023/24 but also sets a new record for the region.
While the Middle East is not yet Morocco’s primary export destination for raspberries, it is showing strong growth potential. In MY 2019/20, the region accounted for just 0.23% of Morocco’s total raspberry exports. By MY 2022/23 and 2023/24, that share had risen to 1.05% and 0.93%, respectively. In the current MY 2024/25, the share has already exceeded 1.5%.
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Moroccan raspberry exports to the Middle East typically run from August through June, with peak volumes shipped in October-November and February-May. October 2024 marked the most successful month to date, with over 200 metric tons exported – more than the combined total for MY 2019/20 and 2020/21.
Currently, Morocco exports fresh raspberries to seven Middle Eastern countries, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia accounting for approximately 75% of total regional shipments. Notably, exports to Kuwait have tripled over the past three marketing years, while shipments to Jordan have doubled. Exports to the UAE have also grown by 67% over the same period. With MY 2024/25 still ongoing, export volumes are expected to rise further.
Morocco’s market share in these countries is also expanding. Over the past three marketing years:
- In the UAE, Morocco’s share of total raspberry imports rose from 7% to 15%
- In Kuwait, from 0.2% to 5%
- In Qatar, from 6% to 10%
- In Bahrain, from 6% to 22%
- In Jordan, from 0.3% to 22%
As the world’s second-largest raspberry exporter in 2024, Morocco continues to consolidate its global market presence. The Middle East is emerging as an increasingly promising growth market for Moroccan produce.
Additionally, Morocco is steadily increasing its fresh raspberry exports to the United Kingdom, further diversifying its export portfolio.
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