Moroccan Oranges - mouthwatering!Export of Moroccan citrus decreased by 2,5% last season. 570,000 tons were exported against 584,000 tons last year. The small citrus decreased from 316,000 tons to 272,000 tons, being a decrease of 14%. The Clementine and the Nour, both being regarded as small citrus, decreased from 210,000 tons to 182,000 tons (-10%) and from 92,000 tons to 60,000 tons (-35%) respectively.
Oranges showed an increase in general (+8%) from 265,000 tons to 284,000 tons.
The most important variety is Maroc Late showing an increase of 9%. 168,000 tons of this were exported this year, whilst last year this was 156,000 tons.
More than 50% of the citrus export went to Eastern Europe this year, followed by the EU with 35%, which went mainly to France, Germany and Great Britain. Citrus was also exported to the United States and Asia. Tests are being undertaken in Asia, mainly in China and Japan.
The decrease of Moroccan citrus is the result of heavy competition of Spanish, Turkish and Egyptian varieties. Especially the Egyptian competition is very agressive and as a result very competitive prices are winning more and more influence on Eastern European markets.
In order to assist the Moroccan growers Aspam and the Moroccan Government signed a contract agreement during April. The program aims to reach a production of 2,8 million tons in 2020, this being an increase of 130%. Export will have to increase by 150% to 1,3 million tons in 2020. On the local market 1,4 million tons will have to be traded. In order to reach these targets 30,000 ha of orchards will have to be renewed and 20,000 ha of new trees be planted.
Photo credit Sandy McCutcheon
Tags: Moroccan Morocco Fes, Maghreb news
2 comments:
Where are my oranges?
I love oranges but Moroccan oranges are the absolute best, they have so much more taste, sweetness and juice than all the others oranges to be found on the UK market. During winter Chestnuts and Moroccan oranges are a highlight of the cold season. I lived in Morocco many years ago and so every year I hunt them down to get my mid winter fix of Moroccan sunshine. Last year I found a few but this year I have found none so far. Reports are saying that supermarkets are not buying them because of the populartiy of Spanish oranges and also that people are not buying oranges as much because they don't want to peel them, they drink orange juice instead.
That's rubbish, this has nothing to do with us the customer who have little choice but to buy what they offer us. This is straight from supermarket buyers out for the best deal and route to market and the added value of juicing. My family and many of my friends are on the lookout for Moroccan oranges but we have not even found them on street markets and smaller shops or even in ethnic supermarkets.
Please don't be pushed out of the UK by the big four supermarkets.
I want my oranges....
So agree, they were easier to peel as well. Have never found an orange to compare to the large juicy Moroccan ones - I have memories of know that Xmas was not far when the oranges were at their best!
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