Morocco Sets New Record in Raspberry Exports to Middle East, Becomes World’s Second-Largest Exporter
Rabat, The Gulf Observer: Morocco has set a new milestone in its agricultural exports by shipping 700 tonnes of fresh raspberries to Middle Eastern markets in the first nine months of the 2024/2025 export season, according to data from EastFruit. With three months remaining in the campaign, this figure already surpasses previous records, underscoring the country’s growing dominance in the regional fruit market.
This impressive achievement is attributed to Morocco’s ability to maintain high-quality raspberry production and strategically position its exports during off-peak periods in competing markets. The country’s focused trade expansion strategy in the Gulf region has also played a pivotal role in boosting demand.
Raspberry exports from Morocco typically span from August through June, with significant peaks occurring between October–November and February–May. October 2024 stood out as a record-breaking month, with shipments exceeding 200 tonnes — surpassing the combined volume recorded during the entire 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 seasons.
Currently, Moroccan raspberries are exported to seven Middle Eastern countries, with the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia accounting for approximately 75% of the total volume. Exports to Kuwait have tripled over the past three seasons, while shipments to Jordan have doubled. Notably, the UAE has witnessed a 67% increase in Moroccan raspberry imports during this period.
Market share statistics also reflect this surge. Morocco now commands 15% of the raspberry import market in the UAE (up from 7%), 5% in Kuwait (from 0.2%), 10% in Qatar (from 6%), 22% in Bahrain (from 6%), and a substantial 22% in Jordan (from just 0.3%).
In addition to its regional success, Morocco has emerged as the world’s second-largest exporter of fresh raspberries in 2024, trailing only Mexico. This dual accomplishment reflects Morocco’s strategic advancements in agricultural practices, export diversification, and sustained market competitiveness.
The record-breaking growth in the Middle East signals a bright future for Morocco’s agricultural exports and reinforces the country’s role as a key player in global horticulture.
