For most varieties, Morocco's tomato season has come to an end, except for the late varieties exported in summer. The season faced numerous challenges. It started with a delay of two weeks to a month due to heatwaves, depending on the variety, which damaged the 2023 summer crop. After a month, growers managed to return to the same planting area as the previous season. Later in the season, unusually warm weather caused a sharp increase in yield.
As a result, prices fell. One grower noted, "Average prices dropped by 30%, leading to reduced income." Regarding the market, he reported, "Moroccan exporters have maintained their market share in Europe, with steady export volumes. There were no unusual increases or losses. The capacity quotas are developing slowly. The distribution of different origins among European markets also remains stable, with Morocco focusing on France, the UK, and the Netherlands."
On a positive note, this season has given hope that ToBRFV (Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus) is weakening. A grower stated, "We have observed a significant weakening of ToBRFV. While last season's damage was around 40%, this season it averaged 5%, varying by region and grower. Hopefully, this marks the beginning of controlling this virus that has plagued growers."
This season also marked an increase in resistance from northern countries towards Moroccan tomatoes, particularly in France and Spain. Demonstrations and destruction of Moroccan trucks have prompted legal action by Moroccan grower associations and the Moroccan government in these two countries.
Next season is expected to start earlier. As one grower mentioned, "The season will start earlier. The weakening of the ToBRFV virus also means higher tomato yields. However, there will be a reallocation of varieties. In recent years, the production of segmented tomato varieties has increased significantly, but this season those markets have reached saturation. Therefore, the next season will see a renewed interest in round tomatoes."
The Moroccan Tomato Conference will be held in late May in Agadir, where industry stakeholders will gather to discuss market trends and new technologies focused on performance and disease management.
