The import of fruits and vegetables from outside the European Union is one of the major concerns of Spanish producers.

The difficulties farms face in maintaining competitiveness in third countries—with an ever-increasing stake in the European market—has put farmers on alert, and they are protesting rivals they accuse of taking advantage of their advantage.

The focus of the agrarians repeatedly points to Morocco, whose growth has stolen the spotlight from Spain in crops where it is a European leader, such as tomatoes and avocados. Blueberries stand out as one of the products most closely following Morocco's rise to agro-food status. It is one of the fruits that generates the most value for Spain in terms of exports, and its season runs from May to late summer.

The blueberry industry in Spain is concentrated in the province of Huelva, which accounts for 97% of the hectares under production. The popularity of this red fruit has continued in recent years, with a 4% increase in surface area by 2024 and a harvest exceeding 60.000 tons. However, the shadow of Morocco looms over the blueberry business, with Spain generating €555 million in exports last season.

Fruits exported by Spain in 2024

The first references offered by the Ministry of Economy, Commerce and Business through DataComex They show an upward trend in Spain's imports of blueberries from Morocco.

Between January and February alone, Spain imported 7.180,28 tons of Moroccan blueberries; that is, 22,74% of the total purchased from its southern neighbor in the 12 months of 2024. This figure becomes even more significant considering that Morocco accounted for just over 69% of Spain's blueberry imports in the first two months of 2025. Furthermore, it should be noted that the North African country's peak production occurs between March and April, a time when the bill will most likely be higher.

Reports from Morocco celebrate this progress: "Morocco is preparing for a record blueberry season," notes the Moroccan daily. Street20, which indicates that "the Moroccan blueberry industry is preparing for an exceptional season, with export growth projected to be around 20% compared to the previous year."

Growing international demand, the expansion of the crop, and its advantageous logistical position are the pillars on which Morocco bases its position in the blueberry market. "Morocco's marketing window, between the end of the South American season and the beginning of the European one, gives it a crucial competitive advantage. This strategic period allows the country to supply key markets such as the EU, the United Kingdom, and the Gulf, where demand for blueberries remains robust," the aforementioned outlet reports, warning of labor shortages and port congestion as obstacles to its activity.

Morocco, Peru, and Chile, the three largest suppliers of blueberries to Spain, sold 37.243,60 tons to the country in 2024. In two months of 2025, they have already sold 9.467,86 tons, just over 25% of last year's total.

Participate in the International Blueberry Seminars most important, and be part of the World Blueberry Tour!

To participate and learn more details about the XXXVIII Morocco Seminar 2025 enter the following link: XXXVIII International Seminar on Red Fruits

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