The Moroccan exotic fruit industry faces rapidly changing climatic conditions, but is supported by strong foreign and local demand. The Moroccan market is divided into three main products: avocados, which are booming on the Kenitra-Larache axis in the northwest of the country, with record volumes this season; pitaya or dragon fruit, mainly grown on the Azemmour-El Jadida axis further south; and mangoes, largely absent from local production, despite growing Moroccan demand. Omar Lahlou, producer based in Azemmour, describes the season.
Lahlou grows four varieties of pitayas with calendars that extend from July to February, depending on the variety. According to him, the pitaya sector is deeply affected by climatic conditions, but it remains resilient. He explains: “The climatic conditions are not harsh, but different. It is not just temperatures and precipitation that have changed, but the climate as a whole. There is a general disruption of the entire ecosystem , which stresses the plants and we can no longer recognize our orchards. For example, last week we had temperatures of 35 degrees in the Azemmour region, when we are supposed to have autumn weather, and now. temperatures dropped sharply and We can no longer predict anything, which has an impact on average volumes. On the other hand, we have no losses linked to diseases and there are fewer hygiene problems in the exotic fruit sector. region.
According to the producer, losses in terms of yields and volumes reached up to 15-20% this season compared to a normal season, directly attributable to climatic disturbances. He adds: “However, we have obtained better prices which compensate for the losses. Demand is solid, both in the local and export markets.”
External demand comes entirely from the European Union, specifies Mr. Lahlou. “Exotic Moroccan fruits like pitaya are becoming known and the Moroccan origin is gradually becoming established. Competition with Spain is strong, but indirect. We take advantage of the periods of the year when the Spanish supply then decreases that the Moroccan supply is high, which allows good prices to be maintained. I would not go so far as to say that there is complementarity, but the fluctuations are sometimes in favor of Spain, especially in summer, and. sometimes in our favor.
In the local market, pitaya is gaining popularity, according to Lahlou: “It is now normal to find pitaya on the stalls, whereas only a few years ago it was something new and curious. We benefit a time of year, towards the end of August and September, when there are no fruits on the market, except melons or watermelons, and consumers turn towards exotic fruits, which allows us to maintain solid local consumption.”
Looking ahead, the path for mango production remains promising, with strong local demand pushing Moroccan imports to 12,000-13,000 thousand tonnes of mangoes in summer 2024, while local production is virtually non-existent. According to Mr. Lahlou, “it will take time to establish Moroccan mango production. Above all, Moroccan producers lack know-how in the mango sector, as well as plant material. We must start by importing plants and carrying out varietal development trials Until now, it is a risky business, with producers preferring to concentrate on avocado production. For the rest, the demand is there, the opportunity is there, but these are. the nurserymen who must take the first step”.
As for avocado producers, they are benefiting from a season of sustained volumes, helped by a clear improvement in weather conditions in the north of the country compared to the previous season. The industry is even a victim of its success, the abundance of production having caused prices to fall at the start of the season compared to the same period last year.
For more information:
Omar Lahlou
Frutenza Sweet Pitaya Maroc
Such. : +212 664-716976
[email protected]
www.frutenza.ma
