The weather conditions recorded this season in the Zagora area, where Morocco's largest watermelon plantations are located, have been very favourable, reports Said Aghzou, head of Valyour. In general, growers are very optimistic because, "although the harvesting has not started yet, since it will be necessary to wait until mid-April, many countries are already making orders; such as the Netherlands, France, Spain, Russia and Germany," comments Aghzou. The fact is that 90% of Delta watermelons, which is the most common variety in this area, are exported, leaving the rest for domestic consumption.
"In 2015, we exported about 900,000 kilos," affirms Aghzou. This volume has been growing progressively and reached 2,500,000 kilos in the following year, while the total this year is expected to reach 6,000,000 kilos.
"It is difficult to estimate prices, given that the harvesting has not yet started, but this year everything has been going smoothly; we have had enough water, so there is no reason for prices to be affected compared to last year," assures Aghzou. To this we must add that, for Valyour, prices will always depend on the calibres requested by the customers, as well as on the different forms of transport and packaging.
