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Rabat – Morocco has made its entry into Japan’s most demanding markets with the first container of Moroccan citrus fruits.
Foodex announced the news on Thursday, noting that the entry reflects the “competitiveness of Moroccan agricultural products and internationally recognized expertise”.
The country is known for its strict requirements at the level of the citrus market, with Foodex stressing Morocco’s compliance with strict sanitary standards that paved the way for diversifying exported varieties according to market preferences.
“We hope to see Moroccan citrus grow in Japan, because the Japanese love them,” Foodex quoted Japanese importer Yoichi Fukuda as saying.
Kento Takegami, purchasing manager at a Japanese import company, echoed the same statement, noting that Morocco enjoys a “very positive image” among the Japanese.
Morocco’s citrus produce has been performing very well, and the sector is gearing up for another promising season, with an estimated production of 192,300 tons for the 2024-2025 campaign in the Moulouya irrigated area in Berkan province.
The sector accounts for 23% of the total value of plant production, generating over 2.8 million workdays annually.
In the 2021-2022 agricultural season, Morocco’s citrus exports reached a record volume of 766,500 tons – an overall increase of 40 % compared to the year before.
The performance concerned all exported citrus products, including berries.
During that season, Morocco’s exports to the US reached a record of 110 metric tons, representing a 156% increase from the last season
Morocco also exported 166 metric tons of tangerines and mandarins to the EU, while Canada received 67.6 metric tons of tangerines and mandarins from Morocco.
As for Russia, it welcomed 173.081 metric tons in shipments.
