Morocco's red meat prices remain high, impacting consumer demand

Red meat prices in Morocco are stubbornly refusing to decrease, much to the disappointment of consumers who had hoped for a drop following the Eid al-Adha holiday. Wholesale markets are still reporting significant price hikes, with sheep meat exceeding 180 dirhams per kilogram and beef reaching 130 dirhams.

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Red meat, especially beef, is very scarce in the national market.

Professionals in the red meat sector note a relative slowdown in the market over recent weeks. Consumer demand has noticeably declined as high prices erode the purchasing power of many citizens. Consequently, households are now reportedly buying red meat only for special occasions, a stark contrast to previous daily consumption patterns.

Ahmed Shihab Taha, president of the General Union of Butchers in Morocco, highlighted a scarcity of red meat, particularly beef, in the national market. He indicated that imported cattle have played a crucial role in preventing prices from rising even further. Taha mentioned that sale prices at Casablanca slaughterhouses reach 110 dirhams per kilogram, implying retail prices are even higher.

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Imported cattle played a big role in preventing prices from rising more than they have.

The sustained high cost has led many consumers to avoid purchasing red meat since Eid al-Adha. This situation has caused some butcher shops to remain closed, while overall sales have plummeted. The scarcity of the national livestock herd is a significant factor, and Taha is pessimistic about any price reductions, especially for sheep meat.

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This high cost has made many citizens not buy red meat since Eid al-Adha.