Morocco continues bold UK export push
Morocco has ambitious plans to take advantage of the rapid growth in horticultural exports it has enjoyed in recent years.
This was the message from an event held by Moroccan food export agency Morocco Foodex at the InterContinental London Park Lane hotel on November 4.
Morocco has seen its horticultural exports to the UK increase significantly in recent years, by between 30% and 60% depending on the crop, and current exports to the UK now exceed 200 tonnes a year, including some 000 tonnes of citrus.
The country's horticultural exports worldwide amount to more than 2 million tons, and citrus fruits represent 600.000 tons of the total.
Additionally, the North African nation has a 35% market share of the UK tomato sector.
Ghita El Ghorfi from Morocco Foodex emphasized the importance of agriculture for the country's economic development.
Along with other areas such as energy, automobiles and the aviation sector, the government sees agriculture as one of the top priorities for the country's development over the next 10 years.
Agriculture is already of critical importance to the Moroccan economy in general, as it represents 14% of the national GDP and 38% of employment, and this was one of the main messages of the general manager of Morocco Foodex, Ghita El Ghorfi, in the meeting in London.
The networking event was attended by a range of Moroccan companies and UK fresh produce businesses from across the supply chain, covering imports, distribution, infrastructure development, education and training, R&D, investment and agricultural technology.
It was held at the end of a week in which a group of Moroccan growers and exporters visited current and potential UK customers, including a visit to the New Covent Garden Market.
In the immediate post-Brexit period, Morocco managed to negotiate better access to the UK market to the point where 34% of all Moroccan exports to the UK are now fruit and vegetables.
The country's fresh produce exports to Britain have risen nearly 90% in the last five years, including tomatoes, citrus, soft fruit and melons, as well as beans, cucumbers, peppers and courgettes.
The intention going forward is to boost exports of other crops to Britain, such as avocados, walnuts and blueberries.
Beyond fresh products, Morocco Foodex is also looking to boost exports of canned and frozen products, as well as seafood, olive oil, juices and nectars.
Morocco was one of the first countries to reach a new agreement with the UK in the post-Brexit period and is determined to make the most of the opportunities this will bring.
The results of this better access are evident and are not only the result of a better tariff position. They also revolve around a combination of high-value products/export mix, investment in infrastructure and packinghouse technology, competitive production costs, the development of a more sustainable approach to primary production, and the nature of the seasonal supply period for Morocco to the UK. and other northern European markets.
Morocco Foodex has launched a new promotional campaign in the UK and EU to help boost exports, with the government encouraging the development of domestic investment throughout the economy, but not least in the agricultural and horticultural sectors.
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