Adverse weather is creating challenges for Moroccan berry growers, limiting volumes and keeping prices up, as demand from the UK remains firm
The winter berry season in Morocco has begun on a familiar timetable, but is unfolding at a very different pace, according to Nabil Belmkaddem of Morocco’s BestBerry, as colder weather and dull conditions curb volumes.
“The strawberry season started as usual around week 46 with the first volumes of Fortuna,” Belmkaddem says, noting that the early variety is once again leading the programme out of Morocco. “However, the season has been slower than last year in terms of volumes and this is mainly due to the cold temperatures and the lack of sunshine in the last few weeks.”
Those limited supplies have so far kept a floor under the market. “Prices have not dropped yet due to the low volumes,” he explains, pointing out that interest from buyers in the UK has been robust. “Demand from the UK is high at the moment,” he reveals.
Quality, however, has been a challenge due to the weather conditions. “There have been issues with quality particularly due to mould,” says Belmkaddem. “We are doing excessive sorting in the fields prior to packing to make sure only the right fruit is shipped.”
Looking ahead, Belmkaddem remains cautiously optimistic. “We are expecting volumes to increase week by week,” he says. “The season should continue until March, when high temperatures will not allow fresh production and growers will revert to freezing.”
Raspberries present a different picture this winter. The anticipated peak from Agadir has failed to materialise, largely due to structural changes in planting schedules. “The winter peak of production did not happen mainly because plantings were spread during the summer,” Belmkaddem says. As a result, availability remains tight. “Volumes are low and demand from the UK is high,” he adds.
Weather is again a limiting factor. “Cold temperatures and rain are preventing any sudden increase in volumes,” he notes, with no significant uplift expected before spring. “No major increases in raspberry volumes before the spring cycle are expected and prices are similar to this time last year.”
The impact of climate change has been felt in Morocco over the last seven years through major droughts and heat waves. Offering some relief to growers has been the arrival of much-needed rainfall. “Since mid to late November, important major rainfall has occurred in all parts of Morocco,” says Belmkaddem.
Logistics have added another layer of complexity, with Belmkaddem pointing to reports of longer transit times to the UK than usual. While a new direct maritime line between Morocco and the UK has been announced, he says “there is no feedback so far on whether major transport companies operating in Morocco are using it”.