Morocco Breaks Records with $1 million Lemon Exports to UK

Morocco has achieved a historic milestone by exporting 1,200 tonnes of lemons to the United Kingdom over ten months, surpassing the total volume shipped in the last decade.

Morocco has exported 1,200 tonnes of lemons to the UK, valued at $1.02 million, breaking a decade-long record.

The country jumped from 31st to 11th place among UK lemon suppliers, challenging Spain, South Africa, and Brazil.

UK imports of Moroccan fruit, including raspberries and blueberries, continue to rise, cementing Morocco’s strategic market position.

Experts say maintaining quality, supply consistency, and competitiveness will be key to sustaining this growth.

“This is an unprecedented surge in Moroccan lemon exports,” said a market analyst, noting that the country jumped from 31st to 11th place among UK lemon suppliers in just a few months.

The previous record had stood since the 2007/08 season.

Analysts suggest that Morocco’s success marks a breakthrough in a market traditionally dominated by Spain, South Africa, and Brazil.

Shipments of strawberries, mandarins, watermelons, and avocados are also rising, highlighting Morocco’s expanding footprint in a highly competitive market.

After four years of declining lemon volumes, Morocco is now regaining momentum. Observers emphasise that maintaining quality, consistent supply, and competitive pricing will be crucial to sustaining this growth against major Mediterranean and South American producers.

The export surge also reflects Morocco’s growing importance to UK food security. The UK’s 2024 Security of Supply report indicated that Moroccan vegetables accounted for 7.5% of British imports in 2023, reinforcing the agricultural partnership between the two nations.

With lemon exports reaching record highs, Morocco is positioning itself as a reliable and strategic supplier, signalling a shift in the global fruit trade landscape.

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