While the Moroccan melon campaign began between March 10th and 15th in the Dakhla region, volumes are set to increase with the start of production in the Marrakech region, FreshPlaza informs. “We are in the middle of a transition between the two production basins. We should have melons from Dakhla until the end of April, while the first melons from the Marrakech region should arrive on the French market this week,” explains Jérôme Jausseran, president of producers’ group Force Sud.
A late start to the campaign
The Western Sahara campaign got off to a later start than usual. This delay could be explained by “political uncertainties regarding the production of Charentais melons in this region of Morocco.” The melon campaign in the Marrakech region will also start a bit late, but for a different reason. “The weather is not great, and there is clearly none of the heat we usually see in the region at this time of year.”
Supply is well below the demand
Despite a later start, the Moroccan melon season is off to a good start this year. “The quality is better than last year, which was badly affected by attacks from aphids. We also started the Moroccan melon campaign against a backdrop of strong demand due to the mild weather in most French regions in recent weeks. Today, the supply is well below the demand, so we are eagerly awaiting the volumes from Marrakech.”
Read also: Morocco’s tomato sector rises despite years of drought challenges
A general drop in production across the Mediterranean basin
While it is still too early to make precise harvest forecasts for Spain, the country’s production should follow the same trend as Morocco. “In terms of plantings, we are still on a downward trend. We also know that it will not be an early year due to the weather conditions that have affected fruit set.” The same predictions apply to French production volumes, which are set to drop again this year due to a reduction in the area planted.
Pay attention: in April 2025, the FAO/EBRD-led project, in partnership with FoodEx Morocco, will organize a trade mission to connect Moroccan exporters with Southeast Asia—one of the fastest-growing regions for fruit and vegetable imports. To get involved, please follow the registration process via this link.
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