Summer Heatwave Sends Moroccan Poultry and Egg Prices Soaring
As temperatures rise in Morocco, so too do the prices of poultry and eggs, impacting both consumers and farmers.
Shoppers in Morocco are facing sticker shock in the poultry aisle as prices for chicken and eggs have skyrocketed. In some areas, a kilogram of chicken now costs over 20 Dirhams, with eggs reaching 1.5 Dirhams each.
Industry experts attribute this price surge to a confluence of factors. The summer months typically see a dip in poultry production, just as demand for this affordable protein source increases. This imbalance is further exacerbated by the rising costs of poultry feed and chicks, forcing some farmers to scale back or even cease production.
Adding fuel to the fire, a recent heatwave has devastated poultry farms across the country, leading to significant losses in bird numbers. This has placed further strain on an already struggling supply chain, driving up wholesale and retail prices.
The National Association of Poultry Meat Producers (ANPV) echoes these concerns, highlighting the widening gap between supply and demand. This trend, they note, is not unique to poultry, with red meat prices also experiencing an upward trajectory.
This price hike comes at a time when Moroccans are consuming more meat than ever. Official figures indicate that annual meat consumption has surpassed 20 kilograms per person, exceeding previous estimates of 15-18 kilograms.
The long-term implications of these price increases are a cause for concern. While the immediate impact on consumers is undeniable, experts warn that the true cost will be felt in the coming months, further burdening both consumers and farmers already grappling with economic challenges.
