Casablanca – Morocco has solidified its position as a key player in the European fresh produce market, becoming the leading supplier of green beans to Ireland in 2025. According to data from EastFruit, Ireland imported a total of 817 tons of Moroccan green beans during the year, marking an unprecedented surge in exports. This volume represents a 2.5-fold increase compared to 2024 and nearly seven times the amount recorded in 2023, positioning Morocco as the top supplier to the Irish market for the first time.

This achievement reflects both Morocco’s expanding agricultural production capabilities and strategic market positioning. For years, the Irish green bean market had been dominated by Guatemala, which supplied over half of Ireland’s imports between 2019 and 2024. Kenya and the United Kingdom were also established suppliers, while Moroccan exports were limited and largely indirect, typically routed through the UK.

The market dynamics began to shift in 2024, when Guatemala’s shipments declined due to logistical disruptions associated with the Panama Canal, compounded by stricter European Union regulations on pesticide residues. These changes prompted Ireland to diversify its supply sources, opening opportunities for new exporters. Morocco leveraged this opening by expanding its direct exports, while Spain and the Netherlands served as re-export hubs, channeling Moroccan products to Irish buyers.

By capitalizing on these market changes, Morocco increased its share of Ireland’s green bean imports to 36.2% in 2025, surpassing long-standing competitors such as Kenya and the UK. This success highlights a broader structural shift in European supply chains, reflecting Morocco’s growing influence in fresh produce trade. Analysts note that Morocco’s geographic proximity to Europe, combined with efficient logistics infrastructure and competitive pricing, enhances the appeal of its products to European buyers.

Morocco’s achievement in green bean exports is part of a wider trend of growth in its agricultural sector. The country has also recorded record exports of tomatoes to Ireland, demonstrating an expanding footprint in European horticultural markets. These gains are supported by favorable climatic conditions, which allow for both early and late production cycles, particularly in regions such as Souss-Massa, Loukkos, and Gharb.

Modern agricultural techniques, including drip irrigation and greenhouse cultivation, have played a key role in improving productivity and maintaining high-quality standards. These practices enable Moroccan farmers to meet the stringent quality requirements of European markets, ensuring that produce remains fresh and safe throughout the supply chain.

The Moroccan government has actively promoted agricultural exports through strategic initiatives that focus on diversifying markets, increasing value-added production, and supporting farmers with technical guidance. Export operations are closely monitored from harvest to transport, with rigorous quality controls in place to maintain freshness and extend shelf life.

Green beans, along with other fresh vegetables and fruits, have become increasingly important in Morocco’s export portfolio. Their nutritional value and versatile use in cooking have driven global demand, particularly in European markets, where Morocco benefits from free trade agreements and reduced transportation times.

Looking forward, Moroccan authorities and industry stakeholders are expected to continue efforts to expand market access, participate in international trade fairs, and strengthen relationships with European buyers. The government has emphasized the development of the agricultural sector as a priority, aiming to boost productivity, improve product quality, and maintain the competitiveness of Moroccan exports in a global market characterized by intense competition and fluctuating demand.

Morocco’s rise as Ireland’s top green bean supplier illustrates the country’s ability to adapt to changing market conditions, optimize its production and logistics systems, and establish a durable presence in European fresh produce markets. The record export volumes not only enhance Morocco’s trade balance but also underscore its growing role as a reliable supplier in the international agricultural trade landscape.