Morocco is on the verge of surpassing its own fresh asparagus export record for the fourth consecutive season, according to the EastFruit platform.
During the first three months of the current season, the Kingdom has already exported a greater volume of asparagus compared to the first quarters of previous seasons.
Between November 2022 and March 2024, Moroccan exporters transported up to 320 tonnes of asparagus, exceeding the 260 tonnes of the previous season for the same period. With three months remaining in the current export season, the Kingdom is well placed to reach a new level in its shipments of this product, indicates the platform.
It should be noted that in recent years, exports of fresh Moroccan asparagus have continued to increase, even if overall volumes have remained modest. In addition, the supply season for asparagus from Morocco has gradually lengthened. While the highest levels were traditionally reached between January and March, the last two years have seen high sales rates maintained until the end of May.
For their asparagus exports, Moroccan producers mainly target the European Union market and take advantage of the early season to stand out from the competition. Spain is the main importer of Moroccan asparagus, which it uses to cover the needs of its domestic market and re-export to other countries.
This season, however, the Moroccan asparagus export landscape has shifted, with Belgium becoming the main recipient of more than half of the shipments. Spain represents another third of exports, while smaller quantities were delivered to France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, the platform highlights.
Morocco has also explored alternative markets in the Middle East for its asparagus. Although exports to this region remain relatively modest, progress has been made. For example, approximately 100 kg of asparagus was sent to Bahrain during the 2021/22 season, and a similar quantity to Qatar during the 2022/23 season. During the current campaign, Morocco exported 1.7 tonnes of asparagus to Jordan.
It is also interesting to note that Moroccan producers produce asparagus at the same time as blueberries, which are exported mainly in February-April. This allows them to extend their season, and this approach is widely shared in Spain, Chile and Peru. These two products have many things in common when it comes to marketing and logistics. In addition, this combination makes it possible to extend the season, optimize the use of labor, machines, equipment, etc., it is explained.
