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The Caucasus region is experiencing a significant increase in imports of oranges and mandarins: Yevhen Kuzin, consultant to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), pointed out that orange imports have doubled over the last five years, highlighting the opportunity for Morocco to increase its exports to these destinations.
In Uzbekistan, demand for mandarins is particularly strong in winter, offering a strategic opportunity for Moroccan growers. In addition, the country has introduced favorable tarification policies, exempting certain products, including citrus fruits, from customs duties until 2025. This paves the way for a significant expansion of Moroccan exports to this fast-growing market.
Kazakhstan, meanwhile, stands out as the largest net importer of fruit and vegetables among the former Soviet republics. Data from the National Revenue Committee show steady growth in fruit imports, with a notable increase in volumes imported between January and October 2023 compared with the previous year. Mandarins and oranges are once again among the most popular products, reflecting the potential of the Kazakh market for Moroccan citrus fruits.
Moroccan berries are also attracting growing interest from importers and retailers in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. This new market demonstrates the diversification of products sought by consumers in the region, offering new opportunities for Moroccan growers. EastFruit reports a sharp increase in interest from local importers and supermarket chains, and reveals that it is increasingly approached by potential buyers for information, particularly on logistics, or to put them in touch with exporters.
However, these promising opportunities, penetrating these markets is not without its challenges. Logistics represent one of the main obstacles, due in particular to the absence of ports in these countries. Moroccan producers will therefore need to find effective solutions to guarantee fast, reliable delivery of their products to these distant markets.
Another major challenge is the already well-established foreign competition. For example, Egyptian oranges have long been a staple product in Kazakhstan, which means that Moroccan producers will have to compete with well-established competitors for market share. Initiatives to promote Moroccan exports, such as trade missions organized in collaboration with international organizations like the FAO and the EBRD, could help overcome these obstacles.
Egypt, in fact, has succeeded in positioning itself as a major supplier of fruit and vegetables in the region, despite significant logistical challenges: imports of Egyptian strawberries to Kazakhstan have increased considerably in recent seasons, testifying to Egypt's ability to compete effectively with other major market players.
A fact which proves, however, that the food sector in the Caucasus region is on the up. Peers has a penchant for good news, so let's feast on stories which highlight the economic and social potential of our neighboring countries!
