Morocco's avocado sector eyes 90,000 tons export in 2025 despite climate challenges

Morocco's avocado sector is determined to export 90,000 tons in 2025 despite facing climate challenges like drought. Although prices fluctuate and climate conditions put pressure on production, the industry remains focused on improving quality and boosting productivity to secure a stronger presence in international markets.

Reports from fruit and vegetable export specialists highlight that avocado exports, which began over three months ago, are progressing slowly. This is due to many producers delaying the harvest as prices were low at the start of the season.

Morocco’s total avocado production for the 2024/2025 season is expected to reach around 90,000 tons, with 80,000 to 90,000 tons projected for export, leaving approximately 10% for the local market.

Abdelkarim El Aloui, president of the Avocado Producers Association in the Gharb region, noted that the season began with lower-than-expected prices compared to the previous year, prompting many farmers to delay harvesting. This approach has proven successful, as prices improved in recent weeks, with half of the harvest still in the fields. The price decline at the start of the season was attributed to an oversupply from Latin America, which put downward pressure on Moroccan prices, especially with increased production from new trees.

El Aloui added that most of the remaining crop consists of large "Hass" varieties, which is favorable for pricing. The local market absorbs significant amounts, especially with Ramadan and summer approaching, reaching up to 18,000 tons.

As for export destinations, Spain and France remain the primary markets for Moroccan avocados, followed by the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, and other European countries.

Looking ahead, El Aloui does not foresee a decline in prices despite increased production over the last decade. He emphasized that planted areas are nearing their maximum capacity, and in the future, producers will focus on improving productivity and quality rather than expanding cultivated land.

However, the possibility of expanding production faces climate challenges, as major growing areas remain concentrated in the Gharb and Loukkos regions, along the Atlantic coast, with limited attempts in other areas.

Despite the growth in the sector, El Aloui highlighted that the biggest challenge is the negative perception regarding avocado's water consumption. This issue led the government to withdraw support for the sector. However, he clarified that the area dedicated to avocado cultivation remains modest, with just 10,000 hectares out of Morocco’s 1.5 million irrigated hectares. Producers rely entirely on drip irrigation, which does not use drinking water.

Despite these challenges, the avocado sector remains stable, without major concerns about quality or plant health, and continues to make a significant economic contribution both locally and nationally.