According to Amine Bennani, president of the Moroccan Association of Red Fruit Producers, the Moroccan blueberry season is gradually getting underway, with the first early harvests having been shipped a couple of weeks ago.

"These are the new early varieties planted in Dakhla, a new production area, and in Agadir. The season actually begins in late November/early December for the majority of the volume, barring severe weather incidents."

The cultivated area has increased from 6.500 ha to 7.500-8.000 ha this season, according to Bennani, who forecasts double-digit year-over-year volume growth. The industry representative continues: "Last season's export volumes reached 86.606 tons, compared to 67.662 tons in 2023/2025, an increase of 28%, and we expect similar growth this season.

The growth in surface area and volumes is accompanied, at the national level, by a transition towards higher-yielding varieties and larger sizes (jumbo and super jumbo sizes of 18 and above), with an emphasis on the crunchiness of the fruit and a longer shelf life, in order to respond to market developments and competition.

According to Bennani, the growth in volumes will not lead to an oversupply in the European market. He even predicts a decrease in Moroccan blueberry exports to Europe compared to the previous season.

"Last season saw significant market diversification with the development of the US and Canadian markets, which remain promising this season and where Moroccan exporters dominate logistics.

We also expect Middle Eastern destinations to import more than 5.000 tons combined, and Russia more than 3.000 tons, as was the case last season. The first shipments of Moroccan blueberries to China, a very important market, will most likely also take place this season," he concludes.