Forest fires and speculators drive up price of rare 'zgougou' pine nuts

The price of "zgougou," a key ingredient for Tunisia's traditional Mouled celebrations, has soared due to forest fires and aggressive speculation. Climate change and a shrinking rural workforce are significantly reducing the harvest of these pine nuts. Tarek Makhzoumi of the Tunisian Union of Agriculture and Fisheries (UTAP) reported a sharp decline in production. He attributed this to last year's devastating forest fires that destroyed large swathes of pine forests. Makhzoumi also cited a crisis in the local labor force, as rural workers increasingly abandon the difficult task of collecting pine nuts for less demanding jobs. He further noted that unpredictable weather patterns have disrupted the collection schedule, impacting the final yield. On the commercial side, Makhzoumi explained that the distribution system is fragmented, with vulnerable family businesses selling small volumes and wholesalers supplying supermarkets. This traditional structure now faces intense competition from the agro-food industry. Multinational companies are capturing a growing share of available "zgougou" stocks for processed foods and mass-market confectionery, further limiting availability for consumers. The convergence of these negative factors translates to immediate price pressure on household budgets as the holiday approaches. Prices for a kilogram of "zgougou" have now surpassed 50 dinars in most urban areas. The article highlights the impact of environmental and economic challenges on cultural traditions, as reported by La Presse in Tunisia.

“

This contraction of supply on the domestic market stems directly from the destruction by flames of entire sections of forest massifs during the previous summer season.