Combination of Brexit, government investment, and improved access to Nadorcott propels country to top spot
Morocco’s citrus suppliers have taken advantage of Brexit’s levelling of the trade playing field with then EU, as well as better access for growers to the much sought-after Nadorcott variety, to increase their mandarin exports to the UK and overtake Spain as market leader in that category.
According to a report published by EastFruit, Morocco set another record for mandarin exports to the UK between October 2025 and April 2026, shipping a total of 76,000 tonnes worth more than £60mn.
That number was almost 20 per cent higher than last season’s figure, which itself was a record, and helped the country secure half of the British market for mandarins.
“Mandarins are deeply embedded in British consumption patterns, with demand peaking during the Christmas period and, more recently, remaining stable in summer thanks to Southern Hemisphere suppliers,” the report said.
“Spain historically controlled the winter market, but post‑Brexit phytosanitary rules levelled the playing field, allowing Morocco, South Africa, and Peru to compete on equal terms. In the winter–spring window, Morocco has become Spain’s most formidable rival, gradually taking over market share.”
Spain’s position has also apparently been weakened by years of drought and high temperatures, which are understood to have reduced the size of crops and the fruits themselves.
Face with similar challenges to do with water, Morocco appears to have benefited from government support and investment in desalination plants.
But, says EastFruit, the key factor in its expansion has been better access for thousands of growers to licensed variety Nadorcott.
https://east-fruit.com/en/news/morocco-challenges-spain-in-the-uk-mandarin-market/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
