Tech-driven growth: Morocco eyes record olive oil output

Morocco’s olive oil industry is gearing up for a breakthrough year, with production expected to more than double by 2025

After a difficult 2024 season that saw output capped at around 90,000 tonnes, producers are now forecasting 200,000 tonnes of olive oil—thanks to improved growing conditions and a stronger harvest outlook.

Behind this optimism is a projected olive yield of around 2 million tonnes, compared to just under 1 million tonnes the previous year. For many growers, the shift comes down to better weather. Cooler temperatures during flowering and fewer heatwaves have helped restore the balance needed for healthy olive development. Producers in Marrakech, including the Zaouia Cooperative, say these conditions have allowed trees to bloom more evenly and recover from earlier climate stresses that had impacted both quality and volume.

Domestic demand remains strong, with annual consumption nearing 140,000 tonnes. This means Morocco could have a surplus of around 60,000 tonnes for export next year—a valuable opportunity as global olive oil markets tighten and prices continue to rise.

The country is also becoming more competitive internationally. In August 2025, revised US import tariffs gave Morocco and Argentina a 10% duty rate, while countries like Spain, Italy, Greece, and Portugal were hit with higher rates of 15% or more. Tunisia and Turkey face even steeper import barriers, giving Moroccan producers a chance to level the playing field against dominant European suppliers.

In 2024, Morocco’s olive oil exports to the US were relatively small—just 3,835 tonnes, worth around US$38mn. That’s just 1.2% of the total US import market, which reached over US$3.3bn. But as global dynamics shift, and with a growing emphasis on quality and traceability, Morocco is positioning itself to be a more prominent player.

With improved yields, a favourable trade environment, and rising consumer interest in premium oils, Morocco’s olive oil sector is on the brink of a transformation. The next harvest season could mark a significant step forward—not just in volume, but in global visibility and long-term industry growth.