Cool temperatures in northern Morocco have pushed the peak harvest of blueberries to March, according to DMB & Co CEO Mehdi Benchekroun. He reassures that quality remains high due to premium varieties cultivated by growers. Moroccan blueberries benefit from shorter shipping times compared to Latin American imports, positioning them competitively in the market. A mission to Southeast Asia for exporters is planned for April 2025 to enhance trade opportunities.
In Morocco’s northern regions, cooler temperatures have resulted in delayed ripening of blueberries, according to Mehdi Benchekroun, CEO of DMB & Co. The expected peak harvest time has shifted from January-February to March. However, he anticipates that the quality will remain unaffected due to growers adopting premium berry varieties that stand out in the market for their high standard.
Benchekroun reassured that Moroccan blueberries meet safety standards comparable to European products, aided by the health authority, ONSSA. Though climate change poses potential risks, he believes any effects will primarily lead to harvest delays rather than quality deterioration. The blueberries are also expected to show quality improvements in size and sweetness this season.
Moroccan blueberries now compete with those from Latin America, facing challenges regarding pricing which hampers export capabilities. However, Benchekroun highlighted the significant advantage of shorter shipment times for Moroccan blueberries, enhancing their shelf life and market appeal compared to their Latin counterparts.
The anticipated volume of blueberries arriving in March will position Moroccan exporters against competitors from Spain and Portugal. Benchekroun expressed confidence in the market dynamics, suggesting that the quality will distinguish Moroccan blueberries and that there will be enough market share for all players.
Despite harvest delays, Benchekroun noted that market activity shows resilience, illustrated by the heavy presence of blueberry transport vehicles on the roads. He anticipates increasing market activity leading up to the season’s end in May.
Looking forward, in April 2025, the FAO and EBRD, with FoodEx Morocco’s support, will facilitate a mission for Moroccan fruit and vegetable exporters targeting Southeast Asia, aiming to enhance Morocco’s position in the global fresh produce market.
In summary, cooler temperatures in northern Morocco have delayed blueberry harvests, shifting peak volumes to March. However, growers have transitioned to premium varieties, preserving quality. Moroccan blueberries compete on the global stage, particularly with Latin American imports, benefiting from shorter transit times. Market activity remains strong, with future opportunities expected in Southeast Asia in 2025.
Original Source: east-fruit.com
