Casablanca – Morocco has further strengthened its standing in global agricultural trade after achieving a new record in sweet pepper exports during the 2024/2025 marketing season, marking the fifth consecutive year of historic performance for the sector. Despite mounting climate-related pressures, export volumes and revenues continued to rise, reflecting the growing maturity and resilience of Morocco’s horticultural value chain.

According to data from the international agricultural market analysis platform EastFruit, Moroccan sweet pepper exports reached 189,200 tons during the season running from October 2024 to September 2025. This represents a 3.7% increase compared with the previous record set in the 2023/2024 season. Export revenues climbed to $240 million, confirming sweet peppers as one of the country’s most valuable vegetable export products.

Over the past five seasons, Morocco’s sweet pepper exports have recorded an average annual growth rate of around 13%, underscoring a sustained upward trajectory rather than a one-off performance. This expansion has been driven by a combination of improved production techniques, the spread of controlled-environment agriculture, and stronger integration into international supply chains, particularly in Europe.

A strategic crop in Morocco’s vegetable exports

Sweet peppers now rank as Morocco’s second most exported vegetable, after tomatoes. Unlike some seasonal crops, sweet peppers are exported throughout most of the year, allowing Moroccan producers to maintain a near-continuous presence in destination markets. The export season typically begins in October, supported by early varieties, before intensifying between December and April, when European demand is at its highest.

During the 2024/2025 season, export volumes peaked in January, with shipments of around 25,000 tons, followed by March, when exports reached approximately 23,000 tons. From June onward, volumes declined significantly as higher temperatures affected both yields and product quality. September remained the weakest month of the year, in line with long-standing seasonal patterns.

While climate conditions continue to pose challenges, particularly toward the end of the season, the overall export performance indicates that Moroccan producers have been able to mitigate some of these effects through improved farm management and market timing.

Europe remains the backbone of demand

European markets continue to dominate Morocco’s sweet pepper exports. During the 2024/2025 season, Spain, France, Germany, and the Netherlands collectively absorbed around 82% of total export volumes. This concentration highlights Europe’s central role in Morocco’s export strategy, supported by geographic proximity, established trade links, and consistent demand for fresh vegetables.

At the same time, West African markets have maintained a stable presence. Countries such as Mauritania and Senegal accounted for roughly 7% of Moroccan sweet pepper exports, reflecting growing regional trade flows and Morocco’s role as a supplier to neighboring markets.

One of the most notable developments in recent years has been the rapid expansion of exports to the United Kingdom. Over the past five seasons, Moroccan sweet pepper shipments to the UK have increased by approximately fifteenfold, making it one of the fastest-growing destinations. This trend reflects both rising UK demand and Morocco’s ability to adapt its supply to meet market specifications following shifts in European trade dynamics.

Expanding geographic reach

Beyond its core markets, Morocco has continued to diversify its export destinations. In the 2024/2025 season, so-called secondary markets represented close to 5% of total export volumes, up from 3.5% in the previous season. While these destinations account for smaller shares individually, their growing combined contribution signals a gradual broadening of Morocco’s commercial footprint.

The number of countries importing more than 100 tons of Moroccan sweet peppers increased from 15 to 19 in a single year, indicating deeper penetration into new markets and a reduced reliance on a narrow group of buyers. This diversification is increasingly viewed as a key factor in managing market risk amid fluctuating demand and climatic uncertainty.

Resilience amid climate pressures

The strong performance of sweet pepper exports comes despite ongoing challenges linked to rising temperatures, water stress, and higher production costs. These factors have had a direct impact on yields and quality, particularly in the latter part of the season. Nevertheless, Morocco’s export-oriented horticultural sector has continued to demonstrate resilience, supported by investments in modern irrigation systems, greenhouse production, and logistics.

Sweet peppers are not the only product reflecting this trend. During the same 2024/2025 season, Morocco also recorded a new export record for tomatoes, reinforcing the country’s position as a major supplier of fresh vegetables to international markets.

Outlook

With five consecutive record seasons now achieved, Morocco’s sweet pepper sector appears firmly established as a competitive player on the global stage. While climate-related risks remain a structural challenge, continued diversification of markets, combined with productivity gains and supply chain improvements, is expected to support further growth.

As international demand for fresh vegetables remains strong, particularly in Europe, Morocco’s ability to sustain quality, reliability, and year-round supply will be central to maintaining its momentum in the years ahead.