HIBAPRESS – Casablanca
Professionals in the date market in Casablanca have stated that a number of sellers and importers have decided to avoid importing Algerian dates, in the context of a widespread boycott by Moroccan consumers.
According to professional sources, this trend comes after a decline in demand for this type of dates in recent weeks, which may lead to significant losses for the trade if these dates, which are no longer in demand, are imported. Sector actors linked this decision to what European scientific reports circulated, which spoke of suspicions of manipulation in the quality and health safety certificates attached to some date products of Algerian origin. These reports indicate, according to what was published, the detection of the use of dangerous chemical pesticides in production chains, which are prohibited substances in a number of European countries due to their potential health risks. Professionals confirmed that this data prompted the Moroccan consumer to search for safer alternatives, which was directly reflected in the choices of sellers who preferred not to risk importing Algerian dates and replacing them with other dates coming from the United Arab Emirates or some other countries in addition to local dates.
