Egg prices in Moroccan markets continue to climb this summer, sparking concern among consumer advocates and industry players over possible supply shortages and the fate of “laying hens.”
Wholesale prices for large eggs rose from about MAD 1.22 to MAD 1.30 per egg in July, according to figures from the National Association of Egg Traders and Distributors, with increases now being felt by consumers at retail markets.
Bouazza Kherrati, president of the Moroccan Consumer Rights Federation, said there are suspicions that laying hens are being sold off due to high temperatures, contributing to reduced supply. He also raised concerns over potential price-fixing among industry professionals.
“The rising price of eggs threatens an essential source of protein for Moroccan households,” Kherrati told Hespress AR, calling on the government and the Competition Council to act. He also urged consumers to boycott egg purchases for a week to pressure sellers.
Khalid Idrissi, secretary-general of the Egg Traders and Distributors Association, acknowledged a “clear shortage” of laying hens, saying some were redirected to local “riasha” shops, with no replacement stock introduced. He argued that distributors should not bear the blame for rising prices.
But Said Janah, secretary-general of the National Poultry Farmers Association, strongly rejected claims that heat or the sale of laying hens were responsible for price hikes. He accused other industry players, particularly distributors, of profiteering.
“Laying hens are still sold to low-income households and processed in food plants,” Janah said. “They are equipped to withstand Morocco’s climate, and linking this to the current price increases is misleading.”
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