Study: Majority of Moroccans reject imported meat

A survey conducted by L’Économiste-Sunergia revealed that 70% of Moroccans who are unaware that the country imports meat say they would not consume it, with 67% strongly opposed, while only 31% of those surveyed are in favor of it.

The findings revealed that 76% of rural residents and 71% of those from lower social classes are the most reluctant to consuming imported meat.

The rejection of imported meat is primarily due to 38% of individuals distrusting its quality, 21% preferring local products, and 13% lacking knowledge about the meat’s origin.

70% of Moroccans are aware of red meat imports, while 30% remain uninformed, according to the same study.

Awareness is particularly high among men at 75%, older individuals at 79% for those aged 65 and above, and the wealthiest social classes at 77%, compared to 65% among the lower classes.

It also found that 65% of Moroccan consumers, who are aware of red meat imports, never inquire about the origin of the meat, while 30% always ask, with women being more likely to inquire than men, at 34% compared to 27%.

As for consumption, only 15% of informed Moroccans have knowingly consumed imported meat, 66% say they haven’t, and 19% are unsure whether the meat they consumed was imported or local.

The same source added that younger individuals, 20% of those aged 18 to 24, and residents in the North and East regions, at 25%, are more likely to have tried imported meat,  while 19% are unsure of their consumption.

Among those aware of imported meat but who don’t consume it, 38% prefer local products, 22% distrust the quality of imported meat, and 11% say it’s unavailable in their area.

34% of Moroccans believe that meat imports will lower prices, with 8% stating that prices have already dropped and 26% expecting them to decrease soon.

The findings revealed that younger individuals, particularly those aged 18 to 24, are the most optimistic, with 9% noticing a price drop and 36% expecting one.

The study showcased that 43% of Moroccans think imports won’t affect prices, while 22% prefer not to say. But, it found that older individuals, aged 65 and above, are the most pessimistic, with 53% believing prices won’t change.