Casablanca – Morocco’s blueberry sector has entered a decisive phase as production activity gradually shifts toward the northern regions, highlighting the sector’s growing reliance on geographic diversification to manage increasingly unpredictable weather conditions. While the current season has started later than usual, early results from northern farming areas suggest a cautiously optimistic outlook for one of the country’s most dynamic agricultural export segments.

The 2025–2026 blueberry campaign began several weeks behind schedule, continuing a pattern that has become more frequent in recent years. Lower temperatures during the early stages of fruit development delayed ripening across several production zones, underscoring the growing impact of climate variability on Morocco’s agricultural calendar. Southern regions, particularly around Agadir, were among the most affected, with growers reporting harvest volumes below initial expectations.

In contrast, northern areas—especially the Larache region—have benefited from comparatively favorable conditions. Early harvests there have delivered encouraging volumes, allowing the north to take a leading role at the start of the season. This regional shift reflects a broader trend within the sector, as producers seek to balance climatic risks by expanding cultivation into zones better suited to fluctuating temperature patterns.

Producers report that planted surfaces in the north have increased in recent years, and many orchards are now reaching full maturity. These two factors combined are expected to support higher overall production compared with the previous season. Although colder weather has affected certain quality parameters, including sugar content and fruit coloration for some varieties, the general size and appearance of the berries remain aligned with market standards.

A key structural change contributing to this performance has been the gradual adoption of larger blueberry varieties. These cultivars are more resilient and better suited to both domestic and international market requirements. As a result, growers have been able to maintain acceptable quality levels despite weather-related stress during the early stages of the season.

Another defining feature of the current campaign is the strategic orientation toward the domestic market during the opening weeks. Local prices have proven more attractive than those available on European markets, which remain oversupplied at this stage of the season. In addition, high export-related costs—particularly logistics and compliance expenses—have reduced the immediate profitability of shipments abroad.

This local-market focus is widely seen as a temporary adjustment rather than a long-term shift. As harvest volumes increase and European demand strengthens later in the season, exporters are expected to gradually redirect supplies toward traditional foreign markets. The timing of this transition will largely depend on how quickly production ramps up and how market conditions evolve beyond Morocco’s borders.

Beyond blueberries, the broader agricultural context in Morocco has also been marked by notable price movements. Wholesale prices for several staple products, including potatoes, carrots, oranges, and clementines, have declined in recent weeks, reflecting improved supply levels in domestic markets. While this trend has offered relief to households facing cost-of-living pressures, it has raised concerns among producers about shrinking margins, particularly in a context of rising input costs.

Within the blueberry sector, however, the outlook remains more balanced. Stakeholders emphasize that the coming months will be critical in determining the season’s overall performance. If weather conditions remain stable, peak production is expected in April, a period that traditionally represents the high point of the campaign in terms of both volume and commercial activity.

April is also a strategic window for Morocco’s blueberry industry, as it coincides with stronger demand in export destinations and improved pricing opportunities. Success during this phase could help offset earlier delays and reinforce Morocco’s position as a competitive supplier in international markets.

At the same time, the sector continues to undergo structural adjustments aimed at strengthening its resilience. Producers are increasingly revising varietal choices, investing in orchard renewal, and refining production practices to better adapt to shifting climatic realities. These efforts reflect a broader recognition that long-term sustainability will depend on flexibility, innovation, and regional diversification.

As the season progresses, attention will remain focused on weather developments and market dynamics. While uncertainties persist, the early performance in northern Morocco suggests that the blueberry sector is gradually learning to navigate climate-related challenges and maintain momentum in an evolving agricultural landscape.