Morocco has made significant progress in recent years in terms of berry production. Could you tell us a bit about the development you have seen in recent years?

Nabil Belmkadem: Over the past five years there has been continued significant growth in raspberry and blueberry production, while strawberry production has remained fairly stable. Blackberry production has not been convincing and growers are backing down. We have also lately seen the planting of premium blueberry varieties and the development of new blueberry production areas, namely the Dakhla region of southern Morocco for early blueberry production and the Middle Atlas Mountain for the production of blueberry summer.

What are some of the advantages that Morocco has?

NB: Of course, the geographical proximity of Morocco to Europe is essential to provide a short transit time between the Moroccan production areas and the main European markets. Morocco has adequate infrastructure and logistical knowledge to transport the fruit in optimal conditions. Morocco has a stable political and financial system that encourages European companies to invest in Morocco. Our labor is skilled and our climate provides for a long, frost-free growing season.

Have you seen a growing interest in the European market?

NB: Naturally, the winter production window makes Morocco quite competitive and attractive for the European markets. In general, the berry business in Morocco is an extension of the European berry business with the general objective of meeting the demand of the European markets. But Moroccan exporters also ship fresh berries to the Middle East and Russia and ship them to Asia by air. This business is increasing year by year.

Is climate change becoming a growing problem?

NB: In fact, higher temperatures are a problem. For example, the start of flowering for strawberries has been affected by higher nighttime temperatures in the nurseries and in the fields after planting, and we now have a production gap that is unusual for this time of year.

What about the availability of labor?

NB: It is increasingly difficult to find adequate labor throughout the season and growers are adapting to this situation by making transportation available to bring workers from more distant areas.

Are Moroccan companies investing in high-tech machinery?

NB: We are seeing interest in the use of specialized equipment for grading blueberries, as well as the use of traysealing machines with cardboard baskets and optical sorters for frozen berries. Fresh berry companies and cooperatives provide solutions for the external production of their members and therefore invest in freezing production lines.

What are the biggest challenges right now?

NB: The main challenge for Moroccan producers is demand or market uncertainty. There are weeks in which the Moroccan production is sold at very low prices and this has a great impact on the producer's profitability. Rising production costs are a major concern for growers trying to remain profitable, but have not prevented investments in solar panels for irrigation, for example. The main concern is the sustainable use of irrigation water, since the scarcity of rain is alarming in Morocco. In addition, the production of berries generates a large amount of plastic waste and it is necessary to make great efforts in recycling.