Moroccan Avocado Summit addresses yield gaps and export forecasts

The second Moroccan Avocado Summit took place on October 15 in Larache, bringing together approximately 250 participants from across the entire value chain, including small-scale farmers, exporters, banks, and logistics providers.

A primary focus of the summit was addressing the significant yield gap facing the Moroccan industry. Abdellah El Yamlahi, president of the Morocco Avocado Association (MAVA), noted that local yields average around 5 tons per hectare, significantly lower than the 30 tons per hectare seen in competing Latin American regions.

Despite missing the export window for smooth-skinned varieties this season due to aggressive price competition, the sector expects a recovery. MAVA maintains a forecast of 100,000 tons of Hass avocado exports for the upcoming season. El Yamlahi highlighted the avocado sector as a vital driver of regional development, generating 360 million euros per season and supporting 10,000 jobs.