Despite the oppressive drought affecting the country for the sixth consecutive year, Morocco continues to shine on the international scene in terms of watermelon exports. According to a recent report from the agricultural data analysis platform “Horto Info”, the kingdom managed to rank fourth among the main exporters of this fruit to the European Union.
For the current season, Moroccan watermelon exports reached an impressive volume of 97.64 million kilograms, generating a total value of 81.99 million euros. With an average price of 0.84 euros per kilogram, Morocco stands out on the European market despite the difficulties posed by climatic conditions. This performance demonstrates the resilience and competitiveness of Moroccan farmers in a context of environmental challenges.
However, competition is fierce. Although Spain recorded a significant drop in watermelon exports of 35.96%, it remains the main supplier to the European Union, with 42.99 million kilograms sold, representing 30.55% of total exports. , and a value of 317.08 million euros. The average price of Spanish watermelon is 0.75 euros per kilo.
Italy follows closely, occupying second place with 184.02 million kilograms exported, representing 13.26% of the total, worth 98.69 million euros. The average price of Italian watermelon is 0.54 euros per kilogram. The Netherlands and Greece complete the picture, in third and fifth positions respectively, with export volumes of 110.97 million and 96.91 million kilograms.
It should be noted that the European Union has seen an overall decrease in watermelon purchases of 23.70% over the last five seasons. Imports from Morocco fell by 52.59%, while those from Spain, Greece, Italy and Brazil also saw significant declines.
In a difficult economic context and facing climatic challenges, Morocco is proving that it can maintain a competitive position in the European watermelon market. This success is not applauded by everyone, some point out the neglect of the local market despite exports, something which causes a dizzying rise in prices.
