Apple imports to Morocco reached a record level in 2024, with 9,300 tonnes imported, highlighting a significant trend towards diversification of varieties and strong demand in the local market.
The dynamics of the apple market in Morocco are experiencing a marked evolution, with imports reaching 9,300 tonnes worth more than $65 million during the first ten months of 2024, according to the specialist portal EastFruit. This figure represents the highest level of imports since 2011, highlighting a growing demand for apple varieties, particularly those of foreign origin.
Analysis of import data over the past five years reveals an almost annual upward trend, except in 2023 where a slight decline was observed. Compared to 2020, apple imports increased by almost 50% in 2024. This phenomenon is all the more relevant in a context where Morocco is increasingly developing its own production of apples, a fruit not traditionally associated with the continent. African. In 2022, the country even ranked as the second largest apple producer in Africa, just behind South Africa.
-Moroccan consumer preferences have also evolved. Historically, Moroccans favor locally grown apples, leading to a peak in imports in the spring and summer, when the previous year’s local harvests are exhausted. However, recent high demand for international varieties such as ‘Gala Royal’, ‘Golden Delicious’, ‘Fuji’, ‘Golden Smoothie’, ‘Ozark Gold’, ‘Anna’ and ‘Starking Delicious’ shows growing interest in imported apples.
Furthermore, the majority of Imported apples come from European countries, with Italy topping the list of suppliers, accounting for 46% of imports from January to October 2024. Spain follows with 27%, while Poland completes the trio with 13%. Interestingly, Italy and Spain significantly increased their apple exports to Morocco compared to the previous year, while volumes from Poland and Portugal decreased. In all, 13 countries exported apples to Morocco in 2024.
