Morocco’s avocado export boom raises concerns over water sustainability

Morocco surpasses 100,000 tons in avocado exports amid growing environmental strain

Morocco has cemented its place among the world’s top avocado exporters. For the first time, the country has exceeded 100,000 tons in avocado exports, according to EastFruit, an agricultural data platform. This marks a major milestone for Morocco, signaling its rise as a serious player in a market long dominated by Latin American suppliers.

The achievement comes during a turbulent season. Global avocado prices have fallen due to overproduction in major exporting countries such as Peru and Mexico. Despite this, Moroccan growers outperformed forecasts, driven by favorable weather conditions, improved harvest quality, and increasingly efficient logistics.

Europe remains Morocco’s largest export destination. However, the European market has become more saturated and volatile. Moroccan producers responded by emphasizing product consistency and quality rather than volume. This strategy has allowed them to stand out in a competitive and shifting trade landscape.

The success of Morocco’s avocado sector reflects deeper changes in global consumer behavior. As more countries enter the avocado trade, buyers focus less on price and more on reliability, presentation, and delivery timelines. Moroccan producers have adapted to these evolving priorities, maintaining strong demand across Europe and North America.

Environmental cost of avocado expansion

Yet the growth of Morocco’s avocado industry is not without consequences. Avocado farming is highly water-intensive. In a country where droughts are increasingly common, this raises serious environmental concerns. Expanding plantations to meet international demand places further pressure on already scarce water resources.

Local regions already facing water shortages now risk deeper crises. The balance between economic gain and ecological responsibility is becoming more difficult to maintain. If Morocco continues to scale up avocado production without addressing the environmental cost, the long-term sustainability of the sector could be jeopardized.

The question now facing Moroccan policymakers and producers is how to reconcile export ambitions with the country’s urgent need to preserve its natural resources. Without careful planning and stricter environmental safeguards, Morocco’s global success in the avocado market may come at too high a price.