Produce avocados in Morocco to supply the European market

Mehadrin, a fruit and vegetable producer and exporter based in Israel, plans to start growing avocados in Morocco. Production is expected to reach 10,000 tonnes per year and will target the European market.

 

According to Israeli media Globes, the Mehadrin company has signed a joint venture agreement with a Moroccan company. The joint investment will reach 80 million MAD ($8.9 million) over the first 3 years of activity. Mehadrin is expected to own 51% of the new structure which will lease 1,125 acres (455 hectares) for avocado cultivation. Planned production is expected to reach 10,000 tonnes per year and will target the European market.

 

This joint venture project is the first attempt to grow avocados outside of Israel and could represent 1/4 of Mehadrin's total avocado production. The company owns approximately 800 hectares of avocados in Israel, which represents 20% of its cultivated area. Its activities in the avocado sector accounted for 30% of total turnover, with the activities in the citrus sector accounting for 50%.

 

"In order to grow, Mehadrin must become a company which, although its main activity is still in Israel, creates additional sources of activity elsewhere," said Shaul Shelac, CEO of Mehadrin, who says he is also considering new projects in the area. southern hemisphere, where the season is complementary to that of Israel.

 

Regulatory approvals are underway in Morocco, prior to the implementation of this project.