Morocco blueberry exports near 90,000 tons as UK demand drives growth

MOROCCO – Morocco has rapidly become a dominant global blueberry supplier, with exports approaching 90,000 tons and top-exporter status to the United Kingdom.

The United Kingdom is one of Morocco’s main European blueberry markets. Between July 2024 and June 2025, Morocco exported 19,000 tonnes of blueberries to the UK, 44% more than the previous season. Morocco became the largest supplier to the UK market and accounted for nearly a quarter of imports.

In April, during a period of higher Moroccan availability, its share reached approximately 75% of monthly imports. Proximity to Europe remains a factor in export programs, supported by transport links between Morocco and European markets.

Rhenus reports transit times of 48 to 72 hours on its service between Spain and Morocco, with regular departures from Barcelona to Casablanca and Tangier. These efficient transit routes allow Moroccan blueberries to reach European consumers quickly, maintaining freshness and quality.

However, the industry must navigate significant environmental and logistical hurdles. For instance, weather conditions affected the 2025/26 crop across several growing regions. In Larache, wind, low temperatures, and storms initially delayed the harvest.

At the end of March, growers expected the peak to shift to early April, but subsequent rainfall affected availability and reduced volume forecasts. Market pressure also increased during the season.

In addition, the start of Spain’s peak season in April intensified competition and put downward pressure on prices. Towards the end of the campaign, Moroccan exporters also faced increased international supply and constraints on labour availability.

On the other hand, the opportunities include geographic proximity to Europe, efficient transit times of 48 to 72 hours, growing demand from the UK market, and the potential to expand market share through quality improvements.

As a result, Morocco’s location and infrastructure support export growth through short shipping distances to European markets.

Moreover, as exports increase, the sector is meeting requirements for quality, consistency, commercial compliance, and continuity-of-supply programmes.

These issues will be discussed at the XLIII International Seminar on Red Fruits Morocco 2026, organized by Blueberries Consulting on 16 September at the Royal Tulip City Center Hotel in Tangier.

The event will also address production, technology, and commercial conditions affecting the Moroccan industry.

In the end, the sector’s ability to manage quality, consistency, and supply programmes will determine its long-term success as a dominant global blueberry supplier.

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