An intense heatwave has caused considerable losses for Moroccan avocado growers, raising concerns about the volumes available in the upcoming season, prices, and a potential delay in the campaign launch. Abdellah El Yamlahi, president of the Moroccan Avocado Association, representing exporters, shares his point of view.

According to a recent statement by the association of growers, the three-day heatwave at the end of June resulted in losses of up to half of the volumes expected for the upcoming season, equivalent to approximately 80,000 tonnes. For his part, the exporters’ representative says: “It is true that the heatwave in June, as well as other climatic events such as the heatwave we are experiencing this week, will have a significant impact on volumes. However, I believe that intact volumes will remain high next season. The acreage of avocados has increased significantly in recent years, and large areas are reaching maturity and entering production this season. Damage also varies from one grower and location to another, and I believe we can expect a minimal impact at the national level equivalent to only one-third of volumes, making available volumes in line with last season’s production levels.”

© Association of avocado growers in the Gharb

Losses caused by climatic factors may lead growers to deliberately delay peak harvests in the expectation of higher prices on the international market, according to the growers’ association. From the exporters’ standpoint, El Yamlahi states: “This will certainly be the case for many growers. However, I do not believe there will be a shortage during the upcoming season. There are several types of growers, depending on the size of their volumes and operations. Some have the capacity to wait, while others cannot afford to do so. The diversity of avocado growers in Morocco will ensure a regular supply throughout the season and thus minimize the volume losses. It should also be remembered that the season usually starts with high prices in November and then drops at the end of the year. Growers, especially small-scale growers, will not want to miss this important commercial window.”

This situation is raising concerns among buyers regarding the price of Moroccan avocados for the upcoming season. El Yamlahi reassures: “Naturally, the drop in volume will lead to a price increase, but not to an excessive proportion. Prices will follow the dynamics of supply and demand on the international market. There are periods when we compete with other origins and other periods when competition is calm, as is the case every season. Moroccan avocado prices will certainly be higher at the start of the season, but it is important to remember that starting prices are not determinant for the rest of the campaign.”

For more information:
Abdellah Elyamlahi
Moroccan Avocado Association (MAVA)
Tel. : +212 678732391
Email: [email protected]