Morocco: The new competitive frontier of the global blueberry market

On Jul 20, 2026

Just two decades ago, Morocco was an emerging player in the blueberry industry. Today it ranks as the world’s fourth-largest exporter, one of the most productive countries per hectare, and a benchmark for genetic innovation, precision agriculture, and logistical efficiency. That rapid transformation is precisely why the upcoming XLIII International Berry Seminar Morocco 2026, to be held in September in Tangier, will bring together growers, researchers, and companies to examine one of the most dynamic production models in the global market.

© Blueberries ConsultingPhoto by Blueberries Consulting. Blueberries from Morocco.

For years, blueberry growth was associated primarily with countries such as the United States, Chile, and later Peru. The global industry map, however, has continued to shift, and Morocco has firmly established itself as a major new player.

Its development has been remarkable. In just over twenty years, the country moved from a nascent production base to become the world’s fourth-largest exporting power, driven by a combination of foreign investment, genetic innovation, agricultural technology, and a privileged geographic position on Europe’s doorstep.

Morocco currently has more than 7,500 hectares planted with blueberries, and official projections point to reaching 10,000 hectares by 2030, consolidating an expansion that continues to attract international investment.

Productivity
The true measure of competitiveness, however, goes beyond planted area. Morocco’s industry records average yields that compete directly with those achieved by Peru, the world’s leading exporter.

In 2024, exports ranged between 74,000 and 80,000 tonnes, representing year-on-year growth of close to 15% and generating revenues of more than USD 500 million. For 2025, estimates already projected exports exceeding 82,500 tonnes, with annual volume approaching 95,000 tonnes. Morocco is growing not just in area, but in efficiency.

© Blueberries ConsultingPhoto by Blueberries Consulting. Blueberry production fields in northern Morocco.

Genetics as a competitive strategy
One of the pillars of the Moroccan model has been the rapid adoption of proprietary genetics. While other countries still maintain significant areas under traditional varieties, Morocco has accelerated the transition to low- and zero-chill materials, incorporating breeding programs from the United States, Australia, and Spain as part of a strategy aimed at maximizing productivity, fruit quality, and climate adaptation.

This ability to adopt new varieties quickly is one of Morocco’s key competitive advantages over other origins.

Logistics as a structural advantage
Geographic location is another decisive factor. While South American growers face long sea voyages to reach Europe, Morocco can supply that market within hours or days, cutting logistics costs and improving fruit condition on arrival.

Its main commercial window, between January and May, also coincides with a period of lower availability from the Southern Hemisphere, allowing Morocco to capture value before the European season begins.

This combination of proximity, quality, and speed explains the strong growth recorded in recent years.

A highly technology-driven model
Morocco’s blueberry expansion has also been accompanied by significant technological adoption. Substrate-based hydroponic systems, high planting densities, smart irrigation platforms, and digital monitoring are now standard features of new agricultural projects.

The use of precision agriculture tools has enabled documented reductions of close to 15.8% in water consumption while maintaining productivity levels.

In a country where water availability is one of the main structural challenges, efficient use of the resource has become a central element of the production model. That said, the growth is not without risks.

The 2026 season exposed a new vulnerability for the industry. Severe storms with winds exceeding 110 km/h caused damage to macro-tunnels and production infrastructure in February, reducing early estimated volumes by between 15% and 25%. The impact was immediate. May exports fell from 22,257 tonnes in 2025 to just 1,026 tonnes in 2026, creating a significant supply constraint.

As a result, average FOB prices rose from USD 6.86/kg to USD 8.40/kg, reaching highs of USD 10.95/kg during May.

The episode made clear that the main risk is no longer water scarcity alone, but also the growing intensity of extreme weather events.

A market seeking diversification
Another strategic challenge is high commercial concentration. Currently, around 84% of Moroccan exports continue to flow to Spain and the United Kingdom, a situation that increases dependence on the European market. The industry is therefore actively working to open new destinations.

The United States has shown accelerated growth in recent years, while Asia is emerging as the major medium-term target. The future opening of the Chinese market could represent a turning point for the sector’s development.

Tangier: a stage for discussing the future
Against this backdrop, the upcoming XLIII International Berry Seminar Morocco 2026, to be held on Wednesday, 16 September at the Royal Tulip City Center Hotel in Tangier, takes on particular significance.

More than a technical gathering, the event will provide an opportunity to examine one of the production models that is redefining international blueberry competition. Genetics, productivity, water efficiency, logistics, climate change, and access to new markets will be among the topics shaping the discussion. Understanding what is happening in Morocco today means more than simply learning about a new producing country. It means observing how the global blueberry industry is evolving and identifying the factors that will determine competitiveness over the next decade.

The International Technical Tour of Morocco will take place in the northern part of the country, visiting blueberry farms so that growers from different countries can see Morocco’s production techniques and technology firsthand.

Want to be part of the annual Mediterranean Berry Growers Meeting and Technical Tour? Stands and sponsorships available!

For more information:
Blueberries Consulting
T. +56 9 3469 3871 (WhatsApp)
[email protected]
www.blueberriesconsulting.com

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