Why is Morocco a global reference for canned sardines?
Morocco is one of the world’s leading exporters of canned sardines thanks to:
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🌊 Its rich FAO 34 fishing grounds
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🏭 A certified processing industry (BRC, IFS, FDA, Halal)
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🚢 Efficient maritime logistics via Agadir, Casablanca and Tanger Med
The result: products that meet international standards, with excellent shelf life and formats adapted to global markets.
1. What types of sardines can be imported?
Morocco exports canned sardines in various sizes and recipes:
- Standard sizes : 125 g / 155 g / 425 g / 1 kg / bulk for industry
- Recipes : In vegetable oil / in olive oil / in tomato sauce / spicy / with lemon
Private label available: customised labelling, barcodes, multilingual packaging, logos and design.
2. How many cartons fit in a container?
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20‑foot container: ~3 250 cartons of 125 g
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40‑foot container: up to 6 500 cartons, depending on the format
Products are packed in boxes of 50/100 units, with reinforced export cartons.
3. What documents are needed for legal import?
SeaOptima prepares and provides all necessary documentation:
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Halal, health and veterinary certificates
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EUR.1 / DUM / certificate of origin
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Plant approvals: BRC, IFS, FDA, HACCP
All documents are delivered prior to shipment.
4. Logistics and shipping times
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Quote within 72 hours max
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Order preparation: 15–25 working days
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Departure ports: Agadir, Tanger Med, Casablanca
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Transit times: Europe (5–10 days), Africa (10–15 days), Asia & Middle East (15–30 days)
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Incoterms: FOB / CIF / CFR depending on your request
5. Which markets import the most Moroccan sardines?
Our current clients are based in:
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🇫🇷 France, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇮🇹 Italy
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🌍 Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Congo
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🇷🇺 Russia, 🇨🇳 China, 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia, 🇦🇪 the UAE
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🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇰🇷 South Korea … and many others
Why work with SeaOptima?
SeaOptima is not a factory – we act as your single point of contact for international sourcing. Our advantages:
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Clear quote within 72 hours
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Access to multiple certified plants
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Advice on packaging, labelling and formats
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Delivery from Morocco’s main ports
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Personalised follow‑up from sourcing to final delivery
