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Rabat – After a difficult year for Morocco’s olive sector, producers are forecasting a record-breaking harvest that could more than double last season’s output and bring welcome relief to consumers facing high olive oil prices.
According to data from the Moroccan Olive Production Federation, the country expects to produce over 200,000 tons of olive oil and around 2 million tons of olives this season, compared to just 950,000 tons last year.
“This is a very significant difference between the two seasons,” said federation president Rachid Benali to SNRTnews, who noted that improved weather conditions helped offset recent rainfall damage in some regions.
Prices likely to halve
The abundance of supply is expected to push prices down sharply. In 2024, olive oil prices soared to nearly MAD 100 ($10) per liter after an unprecedented production crisis. This year, however, Benali predicts the selling price will range between MAD 50 and MAD 55 ($5–$5.50) per liter, thanks to the strong yield.
A strategic crop
Olives remain a cornerstone of Moroccan agriculture, covering 1.2 million hectares, around 65% of the country’s fruit tree area.
Benali explained that favorable climate factors allowed many trees to bear fruit after years of dormancy, boosting the national supply. He also pointed out that despite irrigation restrictions in some areas, olive trees demonstrated resilience and adaptability.
Government optimism
Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch confirmed the positive outlook just days ago, announcing that Morocco is on the cusp of a record olive harvest season. He said the bumper crop will directly ease domestic olive oil prices and open up new export opportunities.
The expected rebound marks a turning point for a sector that struggled under last year’s shortage due to drought, reinforcing its role as a domestic staple and an export driver in Morocco’s agricultural economy.
