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Rabat– In less than a year, Morocco has shattered its previous records for lemon exports to the United Kingdom, achieving a dramatic surge that affirms the country’s strategy to expand into European markets, including non-traditional destinations.
Between November 2024 and August 2025, Morocco shipped 1,200 tons of lemons to the UK, valued at MAD 9.6 million ($920,000), representing a 40-fold increase compared to the previous season, according to EastFruit. This milestone not only sets a new annual record but also surpasses the total Moroccan lemon exports to the UK over the past decade.
The achievement surpasses a 17-year-old record set during the 2007/08 campaign. Within ten months, Morocco rose from the 31st to the 11th largest lemon supplier to the UK, overtaking traditional producers such as Vietnam and Mexico. While the ranking could shift by the end of the campaign, the growth signals a significant breakthrough for Moroccan trade dynamics.
The UK has emerged as a key destination for Moroccan fruits, ranking third after Spain and France. Morocco has already secured top supplier positions for raspberries since 2023 and blueberries in 2024/25. Exports of strawberries, mandarins, watermelons, and avocados to the UK are also rising.
Historically, Moroccan lemons held only a marginal share in a market dominated by Spain, South Africa, and Brazil, which collectively account for over 80% of UK imports. Germany and the Netherlands supply roughly 10%, leaving Morocco and other smaller exporters to compete for the remaining 10%.
This remarkable turnaround follows four consecutive years of declining Moroccan lemon exports and could mark a sustainable recovery, provided that quality, volume consistency, and competitiveness are maintained.
The surge comes amid growing recognition of Morocco-UK agricultural ties. The UK Food Security Report 2024 highlighted Morocco’s increasing role as a reliable supplier of fresh produce, including vegetables, which accounted for 7.5% of UK imports in 2023, demonstrating the strength of the bilateral agricultural partnership.
