Rabat – Morocco is witnessing a steady rise in the demand for imported apples, with a record-breaking 9.3 thousand tons brought into the country in the first ten months of 2024.
This marked a total value of over $65 million, the highest figure since 2011, according to data from EastFruit.
Over the past five years, apple imports have consistently increased, except for a slight decline in 2023.
Compared to 2020, the volume in 2024 grew by nearly 50% which reflects a shift in consumer preferences as Moroccans explore global apple varieties alongside their traditional favorites.
Despite its reliance on imports, Morocco remains a key apple producer in Africa and is no stranger to apple cultivation itself.
In 2022, the country ranked second in production across the continent, following only South Africa.
Locally grown apples remain popular but their availability plummets after the harvest season. This opens the door for imports, especially in spring and summer when local stocks run low.
The Moroccan market has welcomed international varieties such as “Gala Royal,” “Golden Delicious,” “Fuji,” and “Ozark Gold,” while maintaining a strong appreciation for native varieties.
Consumers are increasingly drawn to the variety and quality offered by global suppliers, with European countries dominating Morocco’s apple imports.
Italy leads with 46% of the supply between January and October 2024, followed by Spain at 27% and Poland at 13%.
While Italy and Spain boosted their exports to Morocco, Poland and Portugal saw their share decline.
In total, 13 countries contributed to Morocco’s apple imports in 2024, signaling Morocco’s growing interplay between local production and international trade.
Read Also: Morocco Imports Rice to Offset Severe Drop in Production Amid Drought
