Mohammedia – In a global market where grapefruit demand has been shrinking for decades, Morocco has pulled off an unexpected triumph.
The North African kingdom has doubled its grapefruit exports to Canada in just one year, marking a record performance and cementing its position as one of the few countries gaining ground in a declining market.
According to data published by the website EastFruit, Morocco exported 1,500 tonnes of grapefruit to Canada between November 2024 and August 2025, worth $1.67 million. That’s more than twice the average of the past three seasons.
The Canadian market now accounts for over 30% of Morocco’s total grapefruit exports, with most shipments concentrated between December and April.
February 2025 alone saw a record 500 tonnes exported — roughly a third of the year’s total.
This growth stands in stark contrast to the broader Canadian market, where grapefruit imports have been in freefall since the 1990s.
From a peak of around 70,000 tonnes, total imports have plunged below 30,000 tonnes in recent years.
For the 2024-2025 campaign, forecasts suggest another drop, possibly to 25,000 tonnes, underscoring a structural decline in consumption.
Yet Morocco has managed to thrive where others are losing ground, EastFruit’s report indicated, suggesting that the country’s success is due to a mix of competitive pricing, consistent quality, and a strategically timed export calendar.
As U.S. suppliers lose market share, Moroccan exporters have taken advantage of seasonal gaps, positioning their fruit perfectly for Canada’s winter demand.
In February, Morocco captured 26% of the Canadian market, the highest level ever recorded.
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While South Africa, China, and the United States still dominate with over 60% of total imports, Morocco’s timing gives it an edge.
When South Africa’s season ends in August and Chinese shipments taper off in autumn, Moroccan growers step in to fill the winter supply gap—a window that runs from November through March.
Beyond the grapefruit boom, this momentum reflects the broader strength of Morocco’s agricultural exports in North America.
In recent years, the country has multiplied its blueberry exports to Canada by seventeenfold, confirming its growing presence in premium fruit markets.
As global demand for citrus cools, Morocco’s sharp rise in a fading category stands as proof of its adaptability and its agriculture sector’s increasing confidence on the world stage.
