Morocco has decisively established itself as the leading avocado exporter in Africa, unseating traditional heavyweight Kenya following a year of explosive growth in shipments. New data released by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) confirms this major shift in the continent’s agricultural trade landscape, with Moroccan avocado exports nearly doubling to an unprecedented volume.
Export Volume Surge
According to the FAO figures for 2025, Morocco’s avocado exports soared to 141,046 tonnes. This remarkable increase not only secured the top spot for Morocco but also highlights the nation’s successful investment in high-value horticulture and its strategic positioning relative to key consumer markets.
In contrast, Kenya, which has long dominated the African avocado market, experienced a noticeable decline in its export volumes over the same period. This downturn is largely attributed to severe geopolitical challenges impacting global trade. Specifically, significant Red Sea shipping disruptions have created logistical bottlenecks, compounding the impact of rising freight costs that have made Kenyan exports less competitive on the world stage.
European Dominance and New Market Focus
Currently, the overwhelming majority of Morocco’s burgeoning avocado harvest is absorbed by the European market. Morocco’s geographical proximity to Europe, coupled with efficient logistics, provides a distinct competitive advantage over East African and Latin American suppliers.
Leveraging this success, Moroccan agricultural producers and trade bodies are now setting their sights on ambitious market expansion. The new strategic goal is to establish a significant presence in high-potential retail markets across the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK).
This targeted expansion represents a major step in diversifying Morocco’s agricultural export destinations, mitigating risks associated with reliance on a single region, and capitalizing on the immense, year-round consumer demand for avocados in North America and Britain. Success in these markets will depend on navigating stringent phytosanitary regulations and establishing reliable, high-volume supply chains capable of meeting the demands of large US and UK retailers.
Outlook and Strategic Implications
Morocco’s rapid rise is a testament to effective agricultural policy, optimized irrigation methods, and a climate conducive to quality avocado production. The structural challenges faced by competitors, particularly the current volatility in global shipping routes, have further amplified Morocco’s advantage.
As Morocco continues to scale up production and finalize logistics for entering the US and UK, the country is poised to become a major global player in the avocado trade, solidifying its role as a high-value agricultural powerhouse on the African continent.
Key Avocado Export Metrics (2025)
| Country | Export Volume (Tonnes) | Year-on-Year Growth | Primary Export Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morocco | 141,046 | Nearly Doubled | Europe |
| Kenya | 135,000 | Decline | Europe |
Strategic Market Expansion Targets
Enter the US retail market
Enter the UK retail market
