Fresh produce exporters in Morocco have reportedly signalled their intention to sell more fruit and vegetables to Russia following Moscow’s decision to ban agricultural imports from the EU, US, Australia, Canada and Norway.
According to an article in L’Economiste, Moroccan suppliers are hoping to benefit from the ban, which affects one of their major competitors on the world stage, Spain.
The report said the popularity of Moroccan fresh produce, most notably tangerines, was growing in Russia.
Eurofruit understands the North African country also shipped more tomatoes to Russia last year.
Having accounted for only 4 per cent of its exports in 2008, Russia could take up to 15 per cent by the end of the year, with a further increase expected in 2015 should the blockade continue.
Citrus harvesting in Morocco normally gets underway in mid-September, with exports in full flow by mid-October. The fruit’s main destinations are traditionally the EU, Russia and Canada.
