Morocco Becomes Top Pepper Supplier to Spain, Reaching $125 Million Record

Rabat – In the 2023-2024 agricultural season, Moroccan exporters reached a new milestone, emerging as the dominant suppliers in Spain’s bell pepper market.

Data from Hortoinfo, based on Estacom (Icex-Tax Agency) statistics, shows that Morocco supplied 93,780 tons of peppers to Spain in the 2023-2024 season, accounting for 91.69% of Spain’s bell pepper imports.

Valued at around $125.6 million, this record-breaking volume embodies Morocco’s expanding influence in the Spanish market, with Moroccan pepper exports rising 193% over the past decade to meet growing demand.

Between September 1, 2023, and August 31, 2024, Spain imported a total of 102,280 tonnes of peppers at a cost of around $141.7 million, marking an all-time high in both volume and value.

Morocco’s strong lead in Spain’s pepper market puts it far ahead of other suppliers. In second place, Portugal exported 3,240 tons (3.17% of Spain’s imports), valued at about $6.5 million.

France followed with 1,940 tons (1.89%) worth $2.5 million, while Belgium supplied 1,040 tons (1.02%) at $2.3 million, and the Netherlands contributed 900 tons (0.87%) valued around $1.8 million.

Moroccan peppers were sold in Spain at an average price of $1.35 per kilogram (kg), slightly below the overall average of $1.39 per kg for imported peppers. Portugal’s peppers commanded a premium at $2 per kg, with Belgium’s priced ever higher at $2.24 per kg.

In October, data showed that Morocco’s exports to Spain from January to July 2024 reached $755 million, making up 24% of Spain’s fresh fruit and vegetable imports during this period. This marks a 10% increase compared to the same months in 2023, further solidifying Morocco’s standing as a primary supplier in Spain’s produce market.

Morocco’s leading role mirrors the strength of its agricultural sector and its vital contribution to one of Europe’s largest markets.