Casablanca – Morocco has consolidated its position as a key player in the global market for Brussels sprouts, achieving record export levels in 2025 and ranking among the world’s leading suppliers of this vegetable. Data published by the specialized agricultural platform EastFruit show that Moroccan exports of Brussels sprouts reached approximately 32,600 tons during 2025, generating more than $14 million in export revenues.

The results represent the strongest performance ever recorded for the sector in Morocco. Export volumes increased by around 10% compared with 2024, while shipments have expanded dramatically in recent years, growing more than eightfold since 2020. This rapid growth reflects the transformation of a relatively niche crop into an increasingly important component of the country’s agricultural export portfolio.

According to the same data, Moroccan Brussels sprouts exports have grown at an average annual rate of roughly 54% over the past five years, highlighting the strong momentum of the sector. The expansion has enabled Morocco to join the top three global exporters of Brussels sprouts, alongside Mexico and the Netherlands, two long-established suppliers in the international vegetable trade.

Growing export-oriented production

Unlike many traditional vegetables produced for domestic consumption, Brussels sprouts remain relatively uncommon in Moroccan cuisine and are not widely consumed locally. As a result, most of the production is destined primarily for export markets, where demand is stronger and prices are more favorable.

The development of this export-oriented sector has been supported by improvements across the agricultural value chain, including cultivation techniques, post-harvest handling, packaging, cold-chain logistics, and international distribution networks. These improvements have allowed Moroccan producers to compete effectively in international markets that require consistent quality and reliable delivery.

The expansion also reflects a broader strategy within Morocco’s agricultural sector to focus on high-value and specialized crops, particularly those that enjoy strong demand in international markets but remain relatively limited in domestic consumption.

Africa dominates export destinations

The geographical distribution of Moroccan Brussels sprouts exports shows a strong orientation toward African markets, particularly in West Africa. Mauritania stands out as the leading destination, accounting for approximately 60.9% of Morocco’s total exports of this product.

Senegal ranks as the second-largest market, representing about 23.3% of shipments. The Senegalese market has also recorded the fastest growth, with export volumes rising by around 30% in 2025, making it one of the main drivers of Morocco’s record export performance.

The strong demand from West Africa reflects both growing consumption in the region and Morocco’s logistical advantages, including geographic proximity and established trade relationships with neighboring markets.

Strategic role of European markets

Despite the growing importance of African destinations, Europe continues to play a strategic role in the development of Morocco’s Brussels sprouts exports. European markets account for about 14.6% of Moroccan shipments, offering opportunities for higher-value sales and integration into established distribution networks.

Within the European market structure, the Netherlands serves as a major logistical hub, importing Moroccan Brussels sprouts and redistributing them to other European countries. This role reinforces Morocco’s integration into the continent’s fresh produce supply chains.

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has emerged as one of the most dynamic markets for Moroccan Brussels sprouts in recent years. Since the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union, Moroccan exports to the British market have expanded significantly, increasing roughly tenfold over the past several years. In some months, Moroccan shipments have accounted for nearly half of the United Kingdom’s Brussels sprouts imports, highlighting the growing importance of this trade relationship.

Seasonal export patterns

Morocco’s Brussels sprouts export campaign typically extends throughout the year, with seasonal peaks that correspond to the needs of different markets.

Shipments to European countries generally increase between March and June, a period when local European production is often limited and import demand rises. During these months, Moroccan suppliers frequently serve as an alternative source of supply for European buyers.

Between August and December, export flows shift more strongly toward West African markets, where demand becomes more pronounced. This complementary seasonal pattern allows Moroccan producers to maintain relatively stable export activity throughout the year.

Climate factors reinforce Morocco’s role

Recent climatic challenges affecting agricultural production in parts of Europe have also contributed to Morocco’s growing importance in the Brussels sprouts market. Severe winter frosts and other weather-related disruptions have periodically reduced harvests in traditional European producing regions.

In this context, Morocco has increasingly been viewed as a reliable and flexible supplier capable of compensating for supply shortages. Favorable climatic conditions in several Moroccan agricultural regions allow producers to maintain consistent production and respond quickly to fluctuations in international demand.

Expanding role in high-value horticulture

The success of Brussels sprouts exports reflects a broader trend in Morocco’s agricultural sector toward greater specialization in high-value horticultural products. Alongside Brussels sprouts, Morocco has also expanded exports of crops such as berries, cherry tomatoes, and avocados, which are widely sought after in international markets.

In addition, the country has begun developing other niche products, including asparagus and certain specialty citrus varieties, demonstrating its capacity to adapt agricultural production to evolving global consumption patterns.

As global demand for fresh vegetables continues to grow and climate conditions affect traditional producing regions, Morocco’s ability to supply diverse markets throughout the year is expected to reinforce its position in international horticultural trade.

With continued improvements in production efficiency, logistics, and market diversification, Morocco appears well positioned to maintain its place among the leading exporters of Brussels sprouts and other high-value vegetables in the coming years.