Latest news with #Hortoinfo
Morocco World
10-08-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco's Watermelon Exports Skyrocket Amid Severe Drought
Rabat – New data, shared by agriculture-focused website Hortoinfo, shows that Morocco's watermelon exports to France have soared to reach 155% increase over the last decade. The data compiled by COMTRADE said that Morocco's watermelon sales to France reached a remarkable increase of 155% between 2015 and 2024. The statistics show that Morocco's exports to France jumped from 23.96 million kilograms in 2015 to 61.13 million kilograms in 2024. The UK also bought 9.94 million kilos of watermelon from Morocco, while Spain imported 28.7 million kilos of the same produce last year. The data comes as Morocco has been grappling with a severe drought for at least six seasons in a row. Watermelons are part of a series of water-thirsty crops that Morocco still produces amid drought. During the fruit development phase, watermelons require consistent watering. Watermelons need about 1-2 inches of water per week during the development phase. To tackle drought, Morocco has been implementing a series of measures, like campaigns to ensure the rational use of water. Morocco also took several bold measures, including canceling the Eid Al Adha sacrifice ritual and banning the slaughtering of female sheep and goats to ensure herd reproduction. Several reports have shed light on the severe situation linked to water stress in the North African kingdom A study by the US-based National Drought Mitigation Center last month identified Morocco among the harvest-hot countries in the Mediterranean basin The study, carried out in partnership with the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, shows that drought has long defined Morocco's climate Dry weather became more persistent in the country since the early 1900s The report further indicates that Morocco 'should become more arid over the 21st century.' Tags: Moroccan Watermelonwatermelon production
Morocco World
16-06-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Becomes Spain's Top Pepper Supplier
Rabat – Morocco hit a record in 2024 as Spain's leading supplier of peppers, exporting 101.11 million kilos — accounting for over 92% of Spain's total pepper imports. This marks a 199.9% surge compared to 2015, when Moroccan exports stood at 33.71 million kilos. According to data compiled by Hortoinfo from Spain's ICEX and Tax Agency, the value of Morocco's pepper exports to Spain reached €121.46 million ($131.18 million) last year, with an average price of €1.20 ($1.30) per kilo. Over the past decade, Spain's overall pepper imports nearly tripled , rising from 37.64 million kilos in 2015 to 109.47 million in 2024. Meanwhile, Portugal and France followed as distant suppliers, with 2.84 and 2.08 million kilos respectively. The data highlights Morocco's growing role in the European agricultural market, even as Spanish pepper exports also grew modestly by 20.87% over the same period. Spain itself remains a global powerhouse in pepper exports, shipping 844.62 million kilos in 2024 — mainly to Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. The broader trade data reflects shifting dynamics in the European produce market, with imports from other countries have also grown significantly: Portugal increased its pepper exports to Spain by nearly 500% over the decade, and France by 32%.
Morocco World
25-03-2025
- Health
- Morocco World
Germany Pulls Moroccan Peppers from Market Over Pesticide Concerns
Rabat – German authorities have withdrawn a shipment of Moroccan peppers after tests showed high levels of Abamectin, a pesticide that poses serious health risks. The peppers reached Germany through Spanish importers, according to Hortoinfo. Documents from the European Commission confirm that inspections detected Abamectin levels at 0.12 mg/kg, four times higher than the maximum allowed residue of 0.03 mg/kg. The European food safety system classified the case as serious and prompted immediate action to remove the peppers from the market. Abamectin is widely used in agriculture to control insects and mites. It targets the nervous system of pests, causing paralysis and eventual death. While effective for pest control, the chemical raises concerns due to its toxicity. Exposure through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact may lead to dizziness, nausea, vomiting, tremors, and, in severe cases, respiratory failure. Authorities in Germany regularly test imported produce to ensure compliance with food safety standards. The discovery of excessive pesticide levels in Moroccan peppers is one of the many examples of ongoing challenges in monitoring chemical residues in fresh food. While European regulations set strict limits on pesticide use, occasional violations raise questions about oversight in supply chains. With the recall in effect, German authorities remain focused on preventing contaminated produce from reaching consumers. Importers and distributors may now face increased scrutiny as regulators work to ensure compliance with European health and safety standards. Although Europe bans these hazardous chemicals to safeguard public health and the environment, they are still sold to disadvantaged countries for profit. In 2020, a study revealed that Morocco is one of the top destinations for European countries exporting toxic pesticides that are banned in the EU.
Morocco World
02-03-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco's Pepper Exports to EU Rise by 65.6% as Spain's Fall by 26.4%
Rabat – Morocco is expanding its position in the European Union pepper market, with exports up for 15 years. Although Spain remains the EU leader in pepper supplying, its sales have been going down for five consecutive years, paving the way for Moroccan peppers to elevate their profile. A report from Hortoinfo, based on Euroestacom (ICEX-Eurostat) data, records these shifts. In 2024, Spain accounted for 37.75% of all peppers sold in the EU, followed by the Netherlands at 20.64%. Morocco ranked third, supplying 13.26% of the market, ahead of Turkiye, which held a 7.49% share. Spain's pepper exports to the EU have fallen by 26.4% since 2019, while the Netherlands recorded a 20.65% drop. Morocco, on the other hand, increased its shipments by 65.6% over the same period. Turkiye also saw an uptick, with exports rising by 46.93%. Although Spain and the Netherlands continue to lead in volume sales, Morocco's steady growth bodes for a more competitive market. Spain exported 535.58 million kilograms in 2024 — 192.13 million kg less than in 2019. The Netherlands followed with 292.84 million kg, marking a decline of 76.23 million kg. Morocco moved up the ranks by exporting 188.13 million kg, an increase of 74.52 million kilograms compared to 2019. Turkiye's shipments grew by 33.94 million kg, reaching a total of 106.25 million kg. Morocco's presence in the EU market has translated into higher revenues. In 2024, its pepper exports brought in €235.41 million, more than double the €113.4 million recorded in 2019. The average price of Moroccan peppers rose to €1.25 per kg, up from €1 per kg in 2019. Spain still leads in revenue, earning €1.16 billion in 2024, an increase of €52.12 million from 2019. Higher prices helped offset declining volumes, with Spanish peppers selling for €2.16 per kg, compared to €1.52 five years earlier. Spain and the Netherlands still dominate EU pepper sales, but their decreasing export volumes suggest a shift in the market. Morocco continues to expand its foothold, positioning itself as a stronger competitor in the years ahead. Tags: fruit and vegetables in MoroccoMorocco exportmorocco spain trade
