Morocco Emerges as Major Pumpkin Supplier to the UK

Rabat – Morocco’s pumpkin exports to the United Kingdom soared, reaching an impressive 11,000 tons by the end of January 2023.

Over the course of one year, from January 2022 to January 2023, Morocco’s exports accounted for a significant 13% share of the UK pumpkin market, establishing the country as the third-largest supplier.

Spain and Portugal topped the list, with exports of 51,000 tons and 14,000 tons, respectively.

According to data from IndexBox Market Intelligence, Spain secured the position of the largest pumpkin exporter to the UK, with a total export value of $7.1 million.

Morocco followed closely behind, with exports valued at $1.4 million. The data highlights the increasing importance of Moroccan pumpkins in the UK market.

While Morocco has long been a major agriculture supplier to the UK, trade between the two countries increased in the post-Brexit era.

Moroccan food exports to the United Kingdom have experienced a significant surge, with a remarkable 40% increase between 2021 and 2022.

Tomatoes and citrus fruits have emerged as the key products, accounting for over 80% of the total.

In April 2022, Chris Woodward, the British Consul General and Director to Morocco for the Department for International Trade, highlighted the growing trade relationship between the two countries.

Woodward stated that the UK relies on Morocco for 25% of its tomato needs and 60% of its sardine imports. He further explained that vegetables and fruits were the leading Moroccan exports to the UK in 2021, with a total value of £312.6 million.

Moroccan watermelon and cucumber exports to the UK have equally witnessed a continued increase between 2021 and 2022 reflecting the diversification of the agricultural trade.