Morocco continues to confidently expand its presence in the Japanese market for frozen strawberries, reports EastFruit. In 2024, shipments reached 5,972 tons valued at $9.9 million, marking a 14% increase from 2023, when 4,445 tons were exported, and a 34% rise from the 2022 export volume of 3,778 tons. This achievement sets a new record for exports to Japan over the entire observation period.
The first significant shipments of frozen strawberries from Morocco began arriving in Japan in 1995. However, it was only from 2015 that the Japanese market became a key destination for Moroccan producers. Since then, export volumes have shown consistent growth, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.1% over the past decade.
Moroccan frozen strawberries are shipped to Japan year-round, with peak export periods from May to July. The highest monthly export volume was recorded in July 2024.
In addition to frozen strawberries, Morocco also exports frozen raspberries to Japan, albeit in smaller quantities, along with other frozen fruits.
In 2019, the primary suppliers of frozen strawberries to Japan were China, Egypt, Chile, and the USA, collectively accounting for 85% of imports. Over the past five years, however, Morocco has significantly increased its market share in Japan. While Moroccan strawberries accounted for no more than 7% of the market in 2019, their share grew to 15% by 2023. By the end of 2024, Morocco’s share in frozen strawberry imports to Japan reached approximately 16.7%, allowing the country to strengthen its position, surpassing the USA and Chile, and securing third place among the largest suppliers after Egypt and China.
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Despite a general decline in frozen strawberry exports from Morocco to other markets over the past two years, Japan remains a promising destination, demonstrating steady growth in demand for Moroccan products. Morocco’s success in the Japanese market underscores its status as a leading global exporter of frozen strawberries, consistently ranking among the top five suppliers.
In addition to Japan, Morocco is also actively increasing its frozen strawberry exports to European countries such as Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, as well as to the USA and Canada.
Pay attention! 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.
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