Morocco exported a record 2.1 thousand tons of fresh blueberries to Eastern Europe in the first half of 2024, according to outlet “East Fruit.”
This marked a significant increase from the 1.8 thousand tons exported during 2023, strengthening Morocco’s position in key markets like Poland, Estonia, Ukraine, and the Czech Republic.
Poland saw the largest share with 1.5 thousand tons, followed by Estonia, which imported 240 thousand tons. Direct exports to Ukraine and the Czech Republic slightly decreased compared to last year.
These numbers represent direct shipments recorded in the statistics of each country. The total Moroccan presence in Eastern Europe is likely higher due to exports via Spain, the Netherlands, and Germany.
In 2022, Poland, Estonia, Ukraine, and the Czech Republic imported 32 thousand tons, with the region as a whole receiving 45 thousand tons, including countries like Lithuania and Romania. From January to June 2024, these four Eastern European countries imported over 25 thousand tons of blueberries in total, nearly matching the annual imports for 2023.
While some Eastern European countries are major blueberry exporters, the potential for off-season consumption is still growing. Suppliers include Morocco, Spain, Chile, and Peru, with the first half of the year being the peak import period.
Suppliers from Morocco and Egypt are invited to an online training session on October 1. Additionally, a trade mission is set to take place in Warsaw in November, targeting new opportunities for fresh produce in Eastern Europe.