Lettuce and chicory market in Morocco

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh lettuce and chicory in Morocco contracted to 2 529 t in 2019 as exports surged to 3 221 t, fueled by strong demand from European markets like France and the UK. However, from 2020 onward, the market expanded steadily, reaching 5 169 t by 2023. This growth was primarily due to a sharp drop in exports, which fell to 911 t in 2023, as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted international logistics and labor availability in 2020-2021.

Legislative measures played a consistent role in shaping production standards. In 2018, the implementation of the "Paquet hygiène" and residue limits tightened sanitary requirements. Later, Decree No. 2-18-44 in February 2022 introduced mandatory labeling rules for fresh produce, affecting packaging practices. The 2023 rollout of IFCO's reusable container system enhanced supply-chain traceability for exports.

While exports fluctuated, domestic production remained stable at around 5 400-5 500 t annually, and imports rose steadily from 257 t in 2018 to 600 t in 2023, supporting the overall market volume. The resumption of UK exports in 2022-2023 after COVID-19 restrictions eased did not offset the broader decline in overseas shipments.

Production lettuce and chicory in Morocco

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of lettuce and chicory, 2017-2020

World map of production of lettuce and chicory, 2017-2020

Morocco's lettuce and chicory production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 5 514 tonnes, which represents a 1.1% increase compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 3.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Morocco in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports lettuce and chicory from Morocco

Exports in kind, t

Morocco exported 2 000 tonnes of lettuce and chicory in 2020, which marks a sharp year-over-year decline of 37.9%. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 29.8%, translating to an annualized decrease of 11.1%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 3 221 tonnes, with that year also seeing the largest increase of 26.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Morocco in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, France, and Russia were the primary markets for Morocco's lettuce and chicory exports by volume. Germany accounted for 31.8% of exports, France for 29.5%, and Russia for 18.4%, together making up 79.6% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Morocco in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Morocco's lettuce and chicory exports were valued at 2 214 thousand US dollars, reflecting a significant drop of 18.5% from 2019. The lowest value during this period was in 2018 at 2 172 thousand US dollars, while the peak was in 2019 at 2 717 thousand US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 25.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Morocco in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During the 2017-2020 period, France, Germany, and Russia were the key partners for Morocco's lettuce and chicory exports by value. France held 33.9% of export value, Germany 21.4%, and Russia 19.2%, collectively representing 74.5% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Morocco in value, 2017-2020

Imports lettuce and chicory to Morocco

Imports in kind, t

Morocco's lettuce and chicory imports have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume reached 344 tonnes, showing a substantial year-over-year rise of 15.5%. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 18.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.8%. The lowest import volume was in 2018 at 257 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 11.4%. The largest increase was in 2019, with a jump of 15.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Morocco in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Spain dominated Morocco's lettuce and chicory imports by volume, accounting for 90.9% of total import flows, effectively shaping the geographical structure of these imports.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Morocco in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Morocco's lettuce and chicory imports were valued at 423 thousand US dollars, indicating a substantial gain of 15.3% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 24.3%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 7.5%. The largest decline was in 2019 at 9.6%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 19.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Morocco in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017-2020, Spain was the main supplier of lettuce and chicory to Morocco in value terms, capturing 84.2% of total imports. Other partners contributed relatively modest shares during this period.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Morocco in value, 2017-2020