Casablanca – Morocco has further strengthened its position in the British fresh raspberry market, with exports reaching about 18,400 metric tons during the 2025/2026 marketing season and generating more than $167 million in revenue. 

The shipments, covering the period from July 2025 through June 2026, increased by around 1.6% compared with the previous season. The rise came despite an overall decline in raspberry imports into the United Kingdom, allowing Moroccan suppliers to increase their share of a market that has become increasingly important for the country’s fresh produce exporters. 

Morocco accounted for 62.9% of all raspberry volumes imported by the UK during the season, placing it well ahead of its main European competitors. Spain represented 19.1% of British raspberry imports, followed by Portugal at 6.5% and Germany at 4.2%. The Netherlands and South Africa accounted for smaller portions of the market. 

Morocco has held the position of Britain’s leading raspberry supplier since the 2022/2023 season. Its share has increased considerably over the past five years, rising from 21.3% in 2020/2021 to 62.9% in 2025/2026. Moroccan shipments to the UK are now about 2.6 times higher than they were in 2020/2021. 

The expansion reflects changes in both Moroccan production and British consumer demand. The UK has developed a strong market for berries, with more than 85% of consumers purchasing berries, according to market data cited in recent reports. Berry sales have been growing by roughly 4.3% annually, while the overall British berry market had surpassed $2.5 billion at the beginning of 2025. 

Raspberries are particularly dependent on imports because British farms have a relatively limited production window. Domestic raspberry production is concentrated mainly between June and November. During the rest of the year, retailers rely heavily on foreign suppliers to maintain regular availability. 

This seasonal pattern has created opportunities for Moroccan exporters, particularly from autumn through spring. During periods when British production is limited, Moroccan suppliers can provide fresh fruit on a regular basis, while their geographical proximity to Europe gives them an advantage over producers located farther away. 

Morocco’s position has also been supported by developments in farming practices, irrigation, packaging, cold-chain management and transportation. Exporters have increasingly focused on maintaining fruit quality during transportation and meeting strict requirements related to food safety, traceability and delivery schedules. 

The country’s wider berry exports demonstrate the scale of this expansion. Morocco exported more than 200,000 metric tons of strawberries, raspberries and blueberries in 2023, generating more than $600 million in export revenue, according to figures cited in recent sector reports. The country accounted for close to 10% of global berry exports that year. 

The growth has been supported by Morocco’s proximity to major European consumer markets. Fresh fruit can reach European destinations relatively quickly compared with supplies coming from more distant producing countries. This is particularly important for raspberries, which are highly perishable and require careful temperature management from harvest through delivery. 

The British market is therefore strategically important for Moroccan growers and exporters. The UK combines strong consumer demand with a need for imports outside its domestic growing season. Morocco’s ability to provide fruit during periods of lower local availability has helped it establish a significant presence among British retailers. 

Production costs remain high, particularly for raspberries, which require intensive care, irrigation, labor and technical management. Some estimates put the annual cost of raspberry plants at as much as $12,400 per hectare.

Labor is another important consideration. Raspberry production requires substantial manual work for planting, maintenance, harvesting, sorting and packing. Rising labor expenses could put pressure on growers’ margins, particularly when international buyers remain sensitive to prices. 

The structure of Moroccan farms can also present challenges. Smaller producers may find it difficult to guarantee the quantities, consistency and delivery schedules required by major foreign buyers. Greater cooperation between growers, collection systems and aggregation arrangements could help smaller farms participate more effectively in export markets. 

Water availability is another long-term issue. Berry production depends on reliable irrigation, while Morocco has faced increasing pressure on water resources in recent years. Efficient irrigation systems and more careful management of available water will therefore remain important for maintaining production levels. 

Competition is also becoming stronger. Spain and Portugal remain major suppliers to the UK, while Germany, the Netherlands and South Africa continue to hold positions in the market. Producers from countries such as Mexico and Chile also compete in international berry markets and can supply destinations during different periods of the year. 

For British retailers, the availability of several international suppliers provides flexibility and helps reduce dependence on any single origin. For Morocco, this means that maintaining market share will depend on more than increasing production volumes. Quality, reliability, pricing, delivery speed and compliance with international standards will continue to influence purchasing decisions. 

The latest export figures nevertheless show that Morocco has built a strong position in one of Europe’s major fresh berry markets. The increase to 18,400 metric tons during the 2025/2026 season came at a time when total British raspberry imports were declining, indicating that Moroccan suppliers were able to capture a larger portion of available demand. 

The rise from a 21.3% share in 2020/2021 to 62.9% five seasons later represents a major change in the structure of Britain’s raspberry supply. Morocco has moved from being one supplier among several to becoming the dominant foreign source for British buyers. 

The continued expansion of Moroccan raspberry exports will depend on how producers respond to rising costs, water constraints, labor requirements and competition from other producing countries. At the same time, strong British demand and the need for imported raspberries outside the UK growing season provide conditions that could support further trade. 

With more than $167 million in raspberry exports to Britain during the latest marketing season and a 62.9% share of UK import volumes, Morocco has established a clear lead in the market. The challenge now is to preserve that position while ensuring that production remains economically viable and that exporters can continue meeting the quality and supply requirements of British consumers and retailers.