Morocco is in the spotlight this week in Miami as the guest of honor at the prestigious “Americas Food and Beverage 2024” trade show, a major international event for the food industry. The show, which began on Monday, September 16, provides a prime platform for showcasing Moroccan food products to the booming markets of Florida, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
“Our rich culinary heritage and growing export capabilities make Morocco proud to once again participate in this renowned event. We’re showcasing the excellence of our agri-food and fisheries products to an American market with an increasing appetite for our exceptional national goods,” said Morocco’s ambassador to Washington, Youssef Amrani, at the event’s opening.
Accompanied by Chafika El Habti, the Consul General in Miami, Amrani emphasized that the trade fair, attended by a delegation led by Morocco Foodex’s Director General Ghita El Ghorfi, is not just a commercial showcase but a chance to build lasting partnerships, exchange ideas, and contribute to the future of the agri-food industry.
Amrani added, “In line with the vision of His Majesty the King, Morocco is actively exploring a variety of international partnerships. Our relationship with the United States presents immense growth potential and unmatched opportunities to expand Morocco’s agricultural exports over the years.”
Partnering with the World Trade Center Miami, the Moroccan pavilion stood out at this trade fair, which hosts over 7,500 industry professionals, by presenting a broad array of food products that reflect the country’s rich and diverse culinary heritage.
The opening ceremony saw the participation of several notable American officials, including Senator Maria Elvira Salazar, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniela Levine Cava, Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner, and World Trade Center Miami President Roberto Diaz. Clara Acosta, representing the Latin American Chamber of Commerce, was also present.
Speakers highlighted Miami’s importance as a major hub of international trade and stressed the city’s role in becoming a strategic platform for Atlantic and global commerce. Morocco’s participation as the guest of honor was praised as a reflection of its growing presence on the world stage, particularly in food exports.
The North American market offers exciting prospects for Moroccan producers, while U.S. buyers are increasingly interested in the diversity of Moroccan products.
Ambassador Amrani noted that Morocco’s participation in the Americas Food and Beverage Show demonstrates the country’s ongoing commitment to securing a foothold in the U.S. market and strengthening trade relations. He pointed to the 2004 Free Trade Agreement between the two countries as a foundation for expanding Morocco’s role in North American trade.
Thanks to this agreement, bilateral trade has grown dramatically, reaching $5 billion in 2023, compared to just $925 million in 2005. U.S. exports to Morocco increased by 700%, from $480 million in 2005 to $3.4 billion in 2023. Meanwhile, Moroccan exports to the U.S. tripled in value, rising from $445 million in 2005 to $1.6 billion in 2023.
With over 80,000 members of the Moroccan community living in Florida, the country continues to strengthen cultural and economic ties with the U.S. The launch of a direct flight between Casablanca and Miami in 2019, along with bilateral agreements in maritime and port sectors, reflects this dynamic.
Amrani concluded by stressing Morocco’s strategic importance as a gateway to Africa for the U.S., particularly in developing resilient and sustainable supply chains across key sectors. Agriculture plays a vital role in this collaboration, contributing to food security in both Africa and the wider world.
