El XXXVIII International Seminar on Red Fruits To be held in Tangier, Morocco, the event promises to be a unique platform for debate, learning, and anticipating the future of the global berry industry. What distinguishes this edition is the quality of its speakers: renowned professionals representing different stages of the value chain. From data analysis to genetic research, including logistics, fertigation, and plant health, each speaker brings a wealth of experience that positions them as a leader in their field.

Below is a detailed profile of those who will be on stage and the key topics they will discuss.

Amine Bennani: Morocco's voice in the world of berries

The day will be opened by Amine Bennani, president of the Association of Red Fruit Producers of Morocco (AMPFR)With over a decade at the helm of the industry, Bennani has been instrumental in the spectacular growth of the Moroccan industry, which in just a few years has become a major player in Europe.

His presentation, “Update on the Moroccan red fruit market: production and marketing”, will provide figures and context for a reality marked by the expansion of cultivated land and the diversification of exports. Bennani is considered the most influential figure in the Moroccan sector, a voice that combines technical knowledge with strategic vision.

Thomas Grandperrin: Data that sets the course

The second shift will be Thomas Grandperrin, sales manager of Agronometrics EMEAIn this role, he has worked on the collection, analysis, and visualization of market data, becoming a trusted source for understanding global trends.

In Tangier he will exhibit “Data analysis from recent seasons: sales volumes and prices of Moroccan blueberries”His contribution is key: as the industry expands, data enables precise planning, risk anticipation, and the exploitation of trading windows. Grandperrin represents this new generation of specialists who are merging agriculture with advanced analytics.

Jorge Esquivel: Strategic look at the market

The director Blueberries ConsultingJorge Esquivel will be the protagonist of the third exhibition: “Diagnosis of the blueberry market in Morocco: challenges and opportunities”An agricultural engineer specializing in agricultural chemistry, Esquivel has spent years supporting the consolidation of the industry in Latin America, and today his focus is on Africa as an emerging hub.

His presentation is eagerly awaited, as it will combine field data, a global perspective, and a strategic understanding of a market that is growing steadily but faces challenges in infrastructure, costs, and sustainability. Esquivel embodies the spirit of the seminar: coordinating research, innovation, and the market in a single space for dialogue.

Luis Rodríguez: logistics as a backbone

After the coffee break it will be the turn of Luis Rodríguez, operations manager of Hass Peru SA, a company that has demonstrated efficiency in fresh fruit exports. Its theme, "The importance of harvest, logistics, and post-harvest management to access distant markets", puts a decisive aspect at the center: without adequate logistics, there is no global competitiveness.

Rodríguez has extensive experience in international operations and is aware that delivering on time, with guaranteed quality and freshness, is what makes the difference between a profitable business and a failed attempt. His talk will connect directly with the concerns of producers and exporters looking to Asia and Europe as key destinations.

Hamza Karouane: IoT innovation for water efficiency

It will be the turn of Hamza Karouane, Key Account Manager at SOWIT, a company recognized for leading the digital transformation in African agriculture. Its exhibition, “Optimizing water and drainage in crops using IoT technologies”, will highlight how the incorporation of smart sensors and data analysis enables more efficient use of water resources, a central challenge in berry production.

Karouane brings experience in precision agriculture projects that have demonstrated how technology can make a difference in profitability and sustainability. His involvement will be key for producers seeking to reduce costs, improve productivity, and meet the growing environmental demands of international markets.

Juan Carlos Garcia Rubio, international advisor and former researcher at SERIDA in Spain, will address in his presentation the commercial opportunities, varieties and production strategies of raspberries with the exposition, "Raspberries: commercial opportunities, varieties and production strategies. 

With a distinguished track record in research and specialized consulting on berries, García is a leader in the development of production strategies that combine varietal innovation with market insight. His participation will provide attendees with key insights into the potential of raspberries in the global industry and how to leverage this fruit as a driver of diversification and competitiveness.

María del Carmen Salas: science applied to irrigation

The seminar will also provide space for academia. María del Carmen Salas, a researcher and PhD professor at the University of Almería, will present “Fertigation management strategies for soft fruit crops: how to avoid salinity in the substrate.

Salas is internationally recognized for her contributions to irrigation and plant nutrition, especially in controlled environments and on soils with limitations. Her work has enabled hundreds of producers to improve productivity while reducing environmental impacts. Her participation in Tangier reinforces the idea that applied science is the best ally for sustainable growth.

Cheng Liu: China's strength in blueberry production

Professor Cheng Liu, head of the College of Small Fruits at the Institute of Pomology, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China, will be one of the most anticipated figures. His conference “Blueberry production in China: producing regions, pruning strategies, and production management” will bring to the stage the experience of a country that in just a few years has multiplied its blueberry acreage to become a global player.

Liu is a pioneer in varietal research and practices adapted to regions with very different climatic conditions. His contributions will show how Chinese innovation is reshaping the berry industry and how these experiences can inspire producers in Africa and Latin America.

Douglas Rodríguez: Protecting crops, securing the future

Plant health will have a fundamental space with the exhibition of Douglas Rodríguez, doctor in phytopathology and current global director of plant health at PLANASA, one of the leading companies in genetics and varietal development of red fruits.

Rodriguez will talk about “Pest control strategies for red fruits: Scirtothrips dorsalis and Drosophila suzukii”, two threats that concern producers on different continents. With a global vision and innovative solutions, Rodríguez will show how the integration of science, monitoring, and biological control can make a difference in crop profitability.

Daniel Díaz: Facing Climate Stress

The closing ceremony will be led by Daniel Díaz, Ph.D. in plant physiology from the Michigan State University, who will present “Use of growth regulators to reduce heat stress in blueberries and berries.”

Díaz is a leading researcher in plant physiology and has worked on strategies to address the effects of climate change, one of the greatest challenges facing global agriculture. His participation will provide the audience with practical tools and scientific evidence on how to maintain productivity in the face of extreme heat and climate variability.

A constellation of references for an expanding sector

The value of XXXVIII International Seminar on Red Fruits The strength of the event lies in the diversity and strength of its presenters. Each contributes a complementary perspective: from the professional perspective of Amine Bennani to the scientific expertise of Daniel Díaz; from the logistics of Luis Rodríguez to the genetics of Cheng Liu; from the data of Thomas Grandperrin to the pest control strategies of Douglas Rodríguez.

All of them make up a constellation of references that will allow attendees - producers, exporters, technicians and academics - Update knowledge, identify opportunities and develop competitiveness strategies in an increasingly dynamic market.

More than an event, the seminar is projected to be a key meeting where science, the market, and innovation converse to shape the future of the global berry industry.

The XXXVIII International Seminar on Red Fruits of Morocco can be followed through the official social networks of Blueberries Consulting. In-person attendees and the global audience will be able to access keynote addresses, panels, and highlights on our Twitter/X accounts (@blueberriescl), LinkedIn (Blueberries Consulting), Facebook (@Blueberries Consulting) and Instagram (@blueberriesconsulting). You can also still register by following this link: Seminar registration

In this way, the seminar expands its reach and becomes a space for global interaction, where the conversation about innovation, markets, and sustainability in berries transcends physical borders.

Mediterranean Meeting – International Berries Seminar Morocco 2025: