In the first half of 2024, Morocco exported a record volume of fresh blueberries to several Eastern European countries, according to EastFruit. Moroccan exporters exceeded the results of the entire previous calendar year, significantly strengthening their position in the key regional market of Eastern Europe.

From January to June 2024, Moroccan blueberries were directly supplied to four Eastern European countries: the Czech Republic, Estonia, Ukraine and Poland. During this period, Morocco exported 2,1 thousand tons of blueberries to these destinations, compared to 1,8 thousand tons for the entire previous year. It is noteworthy that Morocco set records for shipments to Poland (1,5 thousand tons) and Estonia (240 tons) in the first half of this year, although the direct presence in Ukraine and the Czech Republic decreased slightly.

It is important to note that these figures only reflect direct shipments of Moroccan blueberries recorded in each country's statistics. The actual extent of the Moroccan presence in Eastern Europe may be greater, as exports via Spain, the Netherlands or Germany remain important channels for Moroccan blueberries to reach the region.

In total, from January to June 2024, the four countries mentioned imported more than 25 thousand tons of blueberries, almost equaling the total for the entire challenging year 2023 due to El Niño. For example, in 2022, Poland, the Czech Republic, Estonia and Ukraine imported 32 thousand tons of fresh blueberries, more than double the amount of 2019.

Including other countries such as Lithuania, Romania, Latvia and Slovakia, where Morocco was not directly represented, blueberry imports in the region in 2022 amounted to almost 45 thousand tons.

Although countries such as Poland, Ukraine and Romania are relatively important exporters of blueberries, the potential for growth in local off-season consumption remains significant. The main suppliers (excluding re-exporters) in the region are Spain, Chile, Morocco, Peru, Serbia, Portugal, Sweden and several other smaller countries.

The main import period for these berries is the first half of the year, when European suppliers and Morocco dominate the market. In the second half of the year, volumes are lower and countries in the southern hemisphere and Sweden predominate, although Sweden mainly supplies wild blueberries and is present exclusively in the Baltic countries.

We remind suppliers interested in blueberries and other fruit and vegetable products from Eastern Europe that they can join the online training “Navigating the Eastern European fresh produce market. Opportunities for Egypt and Morocco” on October 1st, as well as participate in the trade mission of Egyptian and Moroccan exporters in Warsaw in November. Details of the trade mission will be published later, so stay tuned for updates on the website www.east-fruit.com.