Despite drought, Morocco first watermelon supplier to Spain and France

Morocco has supplied Spain with two-thirds of its watermelon needs and sold France 45% of its imports of the water intensive fruit in 2023, despite persisting drought.

Morocco faces growing competition from Senegal and Mauritania in the European watermelon market.

Watermelon farms have been accused of depleting underground water in Moroccan southern desert areas.

The Agriculture ministry has imposed some restrictions on watermelon farms to reduce water use.

Watermelons have contributed significantly in Morocco’s ranking as the 15th largest fruit exporter by value, according to the US Foreign Agriculture Service.