Morocco doubles mandarin exports to Ireland, surpasses Spain as winter supplier
Compared with the same period last season, imports from Spain fell by 30%, while Moroccan volumes rose by the same amount.
MOROCCO – Morocco has reached a historic milestone by becoming the primary supplier of mandarins to the Irish market, effectively surpassing Spain during the peak winter season, with shipments doubling over the last four years, according to EastFruit.
Between October 2025 and May 2026, Ireland imported 8,700 tonnes of Moroccan mandarins valued at more than €9.5 million (approximately US$10.92 million), a 30% increase on last season and nearly double the volumes shipped four years ago.
Ireland is entirely dependent on imports, with demand peaking at Christmas. In addition, Irish consumers increasingly favour easy-peeler varieties such as Clementine, Nadorcott, Satsuma, and Tango, which are seedless and easy to peel, gradually displacing traditional types with thicker skins or seeds.
On the other hand, Moroccan exporters have doubled their shipping volumes over the past four years, supported by competitive pricing and a strategic presence across Ireland’s major retail networks.
Moroccan exporters are now firmly embedded in the ranges of Ireland’s largest retail chains, and their competitive pricing, combined with expanding production capacity, continues to underpin growth in market share.
From November to April, Spain and Morocco dominate supply, while South Africa and Peru take over from May to October. Germany also serves as a distribution hub, channelling citrus across the EU.
In the current season, Morocco’s shipments were concentrated between December and April, with its share of imports ranging from 50% to 75%. The peak occurred in April, when more than 2,000 tonnes were delivered, a notable shift from previous years, when the highest volumes arrived in January or February.
Morocco is steadily displacing Spain as Ireland’s leading winter supplier, mirroring developments in the UK market. Compared with the same period last season, imports from Spain fell by 30%, while Moroccan volumes rose by the same amount.
As a result, Morocco has moved from parity with Spain last year to doubling its shipments this season. This points to a long-term shift in market leadership, with Spain facing a difficult challenge to reclaim lost ground.
Moreover, average annual consumption of oranges and mandarins is around 12 kilograms per person, indicating a consistent and substantial market demand.
Ultimately, these trends point to a long-term shift in how Ireland sources its preferred citrus fruits, with Morocco well-positioned to maintain its leadership through sustained competitive advantages in pricing, production capacity, and retail relationships.
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