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Tangier to host a meeting point for the rapidly expanding berry industry
Over the past two decades, Morocco has evolved from an emerging producer into one of the most important suppliers of berries to international markets. The expansion of production, investment in new technologies and varieties, and the country’s advantageous location close to Europe have made Morocco an increasingly important player in the global berry sector.
The key challenges and future development prospects of the industry will be discussed during the XLIII International Berry Seminar Morocco 2026, organised by Blueberries Consulting. The event will take place on 16 September 2026 in Tangier and will bring together growers, exporters, researchers, advisers and companies supplying technologies and solutions to the sector.
Morocco strengthens its position in the global berry market
Moroccan berry production, initially focused mainly on strawberries, has expanded over the years to include raspberries and, in particular, blueberries. Production is developing in regions including Loukkos, Kenitra and Agadir.
The sector’s expansion has been supported by investment in protected cultivation, soilless production, advanced irrigation systems and new varieties. According to data cited by the organiser, exports of fresh blueberries from Morocco are now approaching 100,000 tonnes per year, making the country the largest African exporter of the fruit.
One of Morocco’s main competitive advantages is its proximity to European markets. Berries can reach distribution centres in Spain, France, Germany and the United Kingdom in less than 48 hours. Morocco’s main production window, from January to May, also complements supply at a time when availability from the Southern Hemisphere declines.
The country’s growing importance is also visible in individual markets. During the 2025/2026 season, Morocco accounted for more than half of Norway’s imports of fresh raspberries and blackberries, supplying 707 tonnes, up 22% from the previous season.
New investments confirm the market’s potential
The growing importance of Morocco’s berry sector continues to attract international capital. One recent example is Elite Agro Holding, which, through Elite Harvest Maroc, opened its seventh farm in the country – a 200-hectare site in Kenitra dedicated to blueberries and raspberries.
According to the company, its direct investments in Morocco have exceeded AED 500 million, while its activities have contributed to the creation of more than 8,000 jobs.
The sector’s development shows that Morocco is no longer competing on volume alone. Technology, productivity, quality, logistics and market access are becoming increasingly important elements of its competitiveness.
Tangier – a strategic location for the industry
The choice of Tangier as the seminar venue also has clear business and logistics significance. The city is located close to important production areas in northern Morocco and benefits from infrastructure that provides rapid connections with Europe and other international markets.
A key role is played by the Tanger Med port complex, which is connected to more than 180 ports worldwide. This has helped transform northern Morocco into an important logistics hub linking Europe, Africa and the Mediterranean.
For the fresh produce sector, efficient logistics directly affect product quality, shelf life and export profitability.
Logistics can also become a source of risk
The most recent season showed, however, that infrastructure – one of Morocco’s key strengths – can also become a source of vulnerability. Flooding in the north of the country disrupted berry exports and caused problems in farms located in Kenitra, Sidi Slimane and Larache.
Growers reported damage to greenhouses, plants and crops, as well as labour shortages. In some cases, delays at the Port of Tangier resulted in exporters having to destroy consignments that were unable to reach European customers in time.
This highlights one of the sector’s central challenges: the competitive advantage created by proximity to market must be supported by a resilient and reliable logistics chain.
Climate, technology and profitability on the seminar agenda
The XLIII International Berry Seminar Morocco 2026 is expected to focus on the next stage of development of the sector.
Key topics will include:
- climate change and water availability,
- sustainable production,
- new cultivation technologies,
- genetics and new varieties,
- production efficiency,
- logistics and cold-chain management,
- emerging export markets,
- production costs and profitability.
The event will combine the practical experience of growers with the knowledge of experts, researchers and technology suppliers.
International Technical Tour to local farms
The programme will also include an International Technical Tour in northern Morocco. Participants will have an opportunity to visit farms and see first-hand the technologies and production systems used by Moroccan growers.
This part of the event reflects a broader change in the perception of Morocco. The country is increasingly relevant not only as an export origin, but also as a market where modern production systems and climate-adapted technologies are being developed and implemented.
The next stage of development for Moroccan berries
Morocco has several significant competitive advantages: proximity to Europe, developed logistics infrastructure, growing investment, modern technologies and a favourable commercial window. At the same time, it faces challenges familiar to berry growers around the world – water availability, climate variability, labour costs, logistics pressures and the need to diversify export markets.
The seminar in Tangier will therefore focus not only on how much the Moroccan berry sector has already grown, but above all on how it can maintain its competitiveness and position in the years ahead.
The XLIII International Berry Seminar Morocco 2026 will take place on 16 September 2026 in Tangier.
Source: Blueberries Consulting materials.
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