Morocco strengthens its position as an ultra-early blueberry supplier

Morocco is rapidly expanding its blueberry industry and moving into a leadership role in early-season supply. According to the International Blueberry Organization (IBO), the country now ships between 74,000 and 83,000 tonnes of blueberries a year, with returns above USD 500 million, placing it among the world’s top four exporters.

Between 2020 and 2024, Morocco increased its blueberry acreage from 2,850 to 4,829 hectares, driven by new varieties, protected horticulture and intensive production under greenhouses. Early development began in the Loukos–Gharb area and later expanded strongly in Agadir, where southern highbush genetics and “Canarian-style” greenhouse structures helped producers harvest earlier each year.

Morocco’s main export window runs from January to May, with strong volumes in March and April, giving it a competitive edge in early European markets. The southern region of Dajla adds an ultra-early component: its greenhouse production can start as early as October, allowing the national season to begin 4–8 weeks ahead of other Moroccan zones. The 2025/26 campaign opened in October, confirming this structural shift.

Water investment also plays a key role. The Chtouka–Agadir desalination plant, now operating at 275,000 m³/day and expanding to 400,000 m³/day, supports production in the arid Souss-Massa region and helps stabilise yields in a water-stressed environment.

Sector reports show that Morocco’s competitive strength comes from three factors:

Precocity, thanks to climate, greenhouses and substrate growing;

Modern varieties with long shelf life;

Short logistics routes to the EU, reducing transit times and quality risks.

Challenges remain. Agadir still faces strong water pressure, seasonal labour shortages persist in the north, and occasional weather events — such as local flooding in Dajla — can affect specific farms. Still, the national outlook remains positive.

Projections suggest continued growth toward 100,000–120,000 tonnes by 2030 if investment and technology adoption continue. For 2024/25, industry estimates point to a season close to 80,000 tonnes, with Morocco expected to keep gaining ground in the European winter thanks to its increasingly early harvests.

source: frutasdechile.cl, internationalblueberry.org

photo: moroccotimes.tv