Rabat – Morocco’s tomato prices have soared in recent days, sparking concerns among consumers.
On Thursday, wholesale prices hit MAD 220 ($22) per crate, equating to MAD 8 ($0.8) per kilogram.
Retail prices have climbed to MAD 10 ($1) per kilogram or more, straining household budgets.
Abdelkabir Maidan, Secretary-General of the Wholesale Market Association for Fruits and Vegetables in Casablanca, assured SNRTnews that the market has no shortage of supply.
“The availability exceeds demand,” he explained, though even lower-quality tomatoes now sell at steep prices.
Maidan attributed this price surge to several factors. He noted intense competition from international markets and export agreements prioritizing shipments to Europe and Africa.
Weak oversight and poor market management have also created disparities between farmers, traders, and consumers.
He further criticized intermediaries and speculators for exploiting the market. “They are chasing quick profits at the expense of everyone—farmers, merchants, and consumers alike,” Maidan said.
Challenging natural conditions have worsened the situation. Maidan pointed to scarce rainfall and rising production costs as key contributors to the crisis.
Read Also: Morocco To Remain Key Supplier of Fresh Tomatoes to EU
Bouazza Kherrati, President of the Moroccan Federation for Consumer Rights, talked to the same source about the role of cold weather in affecting tomato yields.
Frost, he explained, reduces productivity, which drives up prices. Kherrati warned that unchecked market practices could deepen the crisis.
“Moroccan families already struggle with high prices, especially those with limited income,” Kherrati stated.
He urged authorities to intervene before the situation deteriorates further, particularly with Ramadan approaching, when food demand peaks.
To address the crisis, the Moroccan Federation for Consumer Rights issues proposals to stabilize the market. These include stricter control of wholesale and retail markets to prevent hoarding, combating unfair pricing practices, and protecting consumer rights by cracking down on fraud.
As Ramadan nears, Moroccan families are bracing for the challenge of navigating rising costs during this critical time. The pressure is mounting for swift action to ease the financial burden on households.
