HIBAPRESS – Abdelatif Baraka
Moroccan markets have witnessed in recent weeks an influx of onions imported from Spain, in a move aimed at filling the deficit recorded in the national supply and curbing the wave of high prices that this essential commodity has witnessed in the daily consumption of Moroccans.
This trend, according to professional statements, comes as a result of the decline in local production due to climatic factors and the rise in agricultural costs, in addition to directing part of the crop towards export, which created pressure on the domestic market and prompted the search for quick alternatives to restore balance.
– Price difference attracts consumers
In retail markets, Spanish onions record a remarkable presence at a price of about 8 dirhams per kilogram, compared to about 12 dirhams for Moroccan onions, a clear difference that makes the imported product an attractive option for a wide range of consumers, especially in light of the decline in purchasing power.
– Quality is a matter of debate among professionals
Despite this price advantage, Spanish onions raise an increasing debate about their quality, as professionals confirm that it is classified among products of relatively poor quality, as it has undergone cooling operations during storage and transportation, which makes it more susceptible to spoilage within a few days after being offered for sale.
In contrast, Moroccan onions are characterized, according to the same statements, by their ability to maintain their quality for a longer period that may extend for several weeks, which gives them an advantage in terms of storage and use duration, despite their higher price compared to the imported ones.
– Temporary solution and the challenge of balance in the markets
Actors in the sector stress that the import of Spanish onions remains a temporary solution for a specific stage, pending the improvement of the local supply, stressing that the market remains open to competition, and that the consumer ultimately decides his choices based on price and quality together.
Between the temptation of the low price and the quality concerns, the Moroccan consumer finds himself facing a precise equation, which in its depth reflects wider challenges related to food security, supporting national production, and maintaining price stability within the markets.
