May 2025
On May 21, Agadir became the center for tomato industry professionals during the International Tomato Conference, organized by Greensmile. LAN Rabat was present at the event, which brought together a diverse range of participants, including growers, supply industry, researchers, representatives from the professional organizations, government and regulating agencies, as well as international companies.
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Participants actively engaged in vital discussions about phytosanitary challenges, addressing the health and safety of crops, which is crucial for maintaining market access and consumer trust. Experts provided valuable insights into integrated pest management strategies and emphasized the importance of biosecurity practices.
Another significant focus was the future of greenhouse technology, with discussions pinpointing the best-suited options for Morocco’s specific climate conditions and challenges, particularly within the important tomato-producing region of Souss-Massa, responsible for 98% of Morocco’s total tomato export volume
This conference comes at a time when Morocco is becoming increasingly influential in the global tomato market and will continue to grow. Currently ranked as the third-largest tomato exporter worldwide, Morocco achieved an export volume of 621,000 tonnes in 2024, the majority (93%) going to the EU and UK (94%) After the Netherlands Morocco has become the second-largest tomato supplier to the UK, exporting 135,000 tonnes and capturing a 34% market share.
Considering the importance of the West European market, sustainability and consumer behavior developments in the EU and UK were also presented and discussed during the conference.
The presence of approximately 30 Dutch companies active in horticulture underscored the event's international appeal, showing the interest the Dutch industry in the sector in Morocco to find more opportunities.
Furthermore, the conference provided spaces for companies to exhibit their products materials and solutions for the visiting growers and other actors in the industry.
Overall, the conference proved valuable for networking and advancing sector knowledge. Greensmile has succeeded to establish the Tomato conference as an important and valuable platform for professionals across the tomato value chain to meet, share information and exchange experiences and ideas.
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