🇲🇦MoroccoNorth Africa
Morocco's tomato exports set new record, driven by value-added varieties
via Le Matin2 min read
Moroccan tomato exports reached a record 745,000 tonnes in the 2024/2025 agricultural campaign, an 80% increase over the last decade, solidifying Morocco's position as the third-largest supplier to the European market. This growth is largely attributed to a shift towards segmented tomatoes, such as cherry, baby plum, and specialty varieties, which now constitute nearly 59% of total exports. Fatiha Charrat, Deputy General Manager of the Delassus group, noted that these segmented varieties are crucial for Moroccan competitiveness, with over 400,000 tonnes exported and a 35% increase in the past two years. While France remains the primary declared destination, Perpignan acts as a redistribution hub for markets like Germany, Scandinavia, and Austria. Moroccan exporters are increasingly pursuing direct deliveries, bypassing French platforms, with Germany's share doubling to 18% in five years. Considering re-exports through France, Morocco supplies approximately 50% of baby plum tomatoes in the German market. The export sector is concentrated, with the top ten exporters in the Souss-Massa region accounting for about 65% of total volumes, led by Azura and Duroc. Despite this success, the industry faces challenges including water scarcity, labor shortages, and rising energy costs, which increase production expenses. Future growth strategies include continued premiumization, geographical diversification, and developing new production areas like Dakhla. The 2025/2026 campaign is expect
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Must ReadThe Tiznit-Dakhla expressway in Morocco has been named the "President Donald J. Trump Highway." Former US President Donald J. Trump announced this on his Truth Social network, expressing gratitude to His Majesty Mohammed VI, King of Morocco, and hope to travel the road soon. This renaming follows the US recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over its Sahara under Trump's presidency. The 1,055-kilometer highway is a significant infrastructure project in Morocco and a major transport corridor in Africa. It is central to the economic development of the Southern Provinces, enhancing national connectivity and Morocco's role as a link between Africa, Europe, and the Americas. The nearly one-billion-dollar investment connects Tiznit to Dakhla, passing through key cities in the Southern Provinces. It includes a 555-kilometer section between Tiznit and Laâyoune, a dual carriageway, 16 engineering structures, and Morocco's longest viaduct. The highway improves travel and freight transport, boosting economic attractiveness and trade between the north and south of the Kingdom. It also supports the development of the future Dakhla Atlantic port, aiming to be a leading logistics platform on the African Atlantic coast. The highway aligns with the Royal Initiative to provide Sahel states with strategic access to the Atlantic Ocean, strengthening ties between the Southern Provinces and Sahelian countries, and positioning Morocco as a gateway to African and international markets. This naming als
Moroccan talent Brahim Rabbaj, 17, has participated in recent first-team training sessions at Chelsea under the direction of Xabi Alonso. Images shared on social media show Rabbaj training alongside senior players. While this integration does not guarantee a permanent promotion, it signals strong confidence from the club's technical staff and sporting management. Born in January 2009, Rabbaj is considered one of Chelsea's most promising academy players, having joined from Crystal Palace in 2021. He can play as an attacking midfielder or on the wings. Rabbaj was also a key player for the Moroccan national team, contributing to the Atlas Cubs' victory in the U17 Africa Cup of Nations in 2025, where his performances solidified his status as a major talent in Moroccan football. His progress at Chelsea is being closely watched by both the English club and other European teams.
FC Barcelona has reached an agreement with 17-year-old Moroccan midfielder Mahdi El Maimouni for his integration into the club's youth category. According to a statement released by Barça on its social networks, El Maimouni will initially join the Catalan club's youth teams. The move is part of FC Barcelona's strategy to identify and attract young talents with high potential internationally to strengthen its training center. Depending on his development and performance, there is a prospect for him to join Barça Atlètic, the reserve team.