First Morocco Avocado Conference held in Tanger with success

The Morocco Avocado Conference successfully concluded its first edition, bringing together key stakeholders from Morocco’s avocado industry. Alongside participated international experts from Mexico, Spain, Chile, South Africa, the United States and Belgium. In its inaugural edition, the Morocco Avocado Conference 2026 welcomed 300 participants from 15 countries, representing more than 150 companies and organizations across the avocado value chain. Throughout the day, discussions were led by 12 speakers and international experts, with the support and involvement of 20 sponsors and exhibitors.

Water, yield and markets

Held under the central theme “Water, Yield, Market,” the conference provided a clear assessment of the industry’s current challenges and identified the scientific, technical and commercial levers needed to support its long-term sustainability. Faced with the dual challenge of climate change and increasing pressure on water resources, Morocco’s avocado industry is entering a strategic transition: moving from acreage expansion toward greater agronomic efficiency and higher-value production.

Overcoming abiotic Stress and Securing Yields

The morning sessions highlighted the growing impact of uncontrollable environmental factors, including temperature extremes, drought and soil salinity, described as “silent killers” of yield. In response to these constraints, experts agreed on the need for a proactive agronomic approach: precision orchard management, canopy management and adaptation to microclimates. The targeted use of marine-based biostimulants, the careful maintenance of autumn irrigation and mineral nutrition, together with mulching, can support trees during critical growth stages and help reduce alternate bearing. Restructuring orchards through appropriate pruning was identified as a priority for the next four to five years. By improving light penetration and reducing excessive flowering, growers can achieve better vegetative balance and more consistent fruit sizing. Mechanized pruning is also emerging as a response to increasing labor shortages. With extreme temperatures increasingly affecting fruit set, varietal diversification, pollinator conservation and detailed studies of local growing conditions are essential to ensuring sustainable production.

The orchard of tomorrow: genetics, AI and integrated protection

The afternoon session emphasized the growing role of science and technology in protecting tree health and strengthening orchard resilience: genetic innovation, Integrated Pest Management and data. Genomic research is opening significant opportunities for the selection

of resilient rootstocks capable of withstanding soil-borne pathogens such as Phytophthora, as well as saline water conditions. Pest management, particularly for thrips and mites, is entering a new era through artificial intelligence, digital monitoring and pheromone traps.

The establishment of green manures and cover crops can further support beneficial organisms and contribute to effective long-term biological control.

Logistics, automation and market expansion

From a commercial perspective, Morocco benefits from a major competitive advantage: access to European markets within a maximum of 72 hours. This responsiveness during the winter supply window provides a unique strategic opportunity in an increasingly competitive international market. However, maximizing this advantage requires consistently high standards: quality compliance and strategic diversification were the two priorities discussed on the panel. European retailers are tightening their requirements regarding Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), maturity and product consistency. Automating post-harvest sorting and grading operations is becoming a critical investment to ensure lot uniformity and reduce waste. As the European market becomes increasingly saturated during peak supply periods, Morocco’s avocado industry, supported by Morocco Foodex’s market intelligence system, needs to accelerate its positioning in high-potential markets such as Canada, China and the Gulf countries, while developing a more complementary commercial relationship with Spain.

Four key recommendations from the conference

Following a full day of presentations and discussions, four priority areas for action emerged: expand precision irrigation and nutrition practices to maximize yield per cubic meter of water used; accelerate skills development in pruning and mechanization to optimize orchard

structure and performance; automate packing and post-harvest facilities to meet the highest international standards; strengthen cooperation between growers and exporters to collectively enhance the value and international positioning of Moroccan origin.

About the Morocco Avocado Conference

The Morocco Avocado Conference is a dedicated meeting point for professionals across Morocco’s avocado industry. It brings together researchers, growers, packers, exporters and technology and solution providers to exchange expertise and contribute to the development of a sustainable, resilient and competitive avocado industry.

For more information about the Morocco avocado industry and its opportunities, you can click here.