GreenMed Journal
Moroccan citrus exports did not meet expectations this year. The total volume sent abroad amounted to only 500,000 tonnes, compared to 530,000 tonnes in the 2010-2011 season.
After the positive outcomes of last campaign, citrus exporters of the North African country hoped to sell outside the country at least 570,000 tonnes of citrus this year, according to estimates made by ASPAM, the Association of Citrus Producers of Morocco. Instead they recorded a decrease by 30% in citrus exports, totalling just 500,000 tonnes.
The exceptionally cold winter recorded in Morocco has slowed fruit maturation and caused a loss of product quality, Fructidor.com reports. Exports decreased despite the fact that the price of Moroccan citrus exports has fallen markedly because of the sharp drop in demand for the product by the European market.
The latest figures show 380,260 tons of citrus exported up to March 5, down 10% compared with the 424,570 tons exportedto the same date last year. Therefore, the loss seems to be irreversible by the end of the season.
Besides citrus fruits, also fresh vegetables (-48.5%), canned vegetables (-6.6%) and fresh tomatoes (-31.4%) did not met expectations.
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