In Europe, lower supply from the Iberian Peninsula is supporting prices, while production fluctuations in Morocco and Spain continue to heavily impact market balance. In many countries, growers are also struggling with labor shortages, a major challenge for a crop that requires intensive daily harvesting.

Morocco Facing a Difficult Second Half of the Season

In Morocco, the season has been heavily affected by storms and flooding, leading to an estimated production decline of 30% to 40% compared to last year. Despite labor shortages during Eid al-Adha, fresh raspberry exports remained relatively resilient, reaching 44,319 tons compared to 45,321 tons last season (-2%).

Frozen raspberry exports, however, increased by 27%, totaling 10,084 tons. Logistical delays at the Port of Algeciras are also affecting the quality of fresh fruit shipments, prompting some exporters to increasingly favor frozen products.

Fresh Exports Remain Relatively Stable

Despite the challenging context, Moroccan fresh raspberry exports showed relative resilience during the first part of the season, with volumes exceeding 44,000 tons, only slightly below last year’s levels.

Frozen raspberry exports, on the other hand, recorded strong growth, increasing by 27%, largely driven by logistical difficulties affecting fresh product flows.

Persistent Logistical Pressure

Industry professionals continue to report significant delays at the Port of Algeciras, the main gateway for Moroccan exports to Europe. These disruptions are impacting delivery times and fruit quality upon arrival.

As a result, some exporters are increasingly turning to frozen supply chains rather than shipping fresh produce.

Europe: Prices Supported by Limited Supply

In the Netherlands, Germany, and France, markets remain tight due to limited availability. In Germany and Austria, prices for Moroccan and Spanish raspberries remain high, reaching around €16/kg in some distribution channels.

In France, the difficulties faced by Moroccan and Spanish origins are creating favorable conditions for the start of the domestic season.

Production Under Pressure in Several Countries

In Italy, labor shortages are pushing some growers to reduce raspberry acreage, while in Spain, adverse weather conditions have led to irregular production volumes throughout the season.

In South Africa, heavy rainfall is also affecting both production and export prospects.

Demand Remains Strong

Despite supply-side pressures, global demand remains solid, supported by retail promotions and growing consumer interest in fresh berries and high nutritional-value products.

Source : Freshplaza