Soft fruit planting in Morocco’s Souss Massa region is thriving under ideal conditions, local grower Ittou Aouragh told “Fresh Plaza” on Tuesday.
The region, known for early vegetables, is shifting towards fruit production, which refers to fruit that is not grown on trees, growers like Aouragh have turned to produce crops like raspberries and blueberries.
Aouragh reported that the area dedicated to this kind of soft fruit is increasing in Morocco, with an estimated 3,000 hectares planted.
“Strawberries are less suitable for our climate, so they are mostly planted in the north,” she noted.
Traditionally a tomato grower, Aouragh decided to switch to soft fruits this season. She explained, “Tomato production has become too costly and fragile due to pests and diseases.
Soft fruits consume less water, “which is crucial given our ongoing water stress,” the grower explained.
The fruit sector offers greater economic stability and better social benefits, employing more workers under improved conditions.
Aouragh plans to sell her harvest in Western Europe and the UK, the primary markets for the region’s red fruit exports.
From January to March 2024, the European Union and the United Kingdom accounted for 92% of total Moroccan berry exports.
Fresh fruit shipments to the UK climbed by one-quarter compared to the same time in 2023, making it the leading importer.