Egg prices rise again in Morocco as demand recovers

The price of eggs has risen again across Morocco, with a single egg now selling for between MAD 0.80 and MAD 0.90 in many cities and reaching MAD 1 or slightly more in some markets, just weeks after prices fell to around MAD 0.60 in several areas.

Producers attribute the latest increase to a gradual recovery in demand following a period of stagnation that caused significant financial losses, while consumer protection groups have warned that higher prices could put additional pressure on household purchasing power and called for closer market monitoring.

Khalid Zaïm, president of the National Association of Table Egg Producers, said the increase reflects the recovery in demand after a period of weak consumption that had pushed down the prices of both broiler chickens and eggs.

Speaking to Hespress, Zaïm said the Moroccan market had previously experienced increased demand for animal-based proteins, prompting producers to launch major projects to expand production.

The subsequent increase in supply, however, eventually exceeded demand, particularly during the Eid al-Adha period, which he said was marked by a broad slowdown in economic activity.

Because eggs are highly perishable, producers were left with few options for disposing of their output, Zaïm said, forcing them to cut prices and absorb substantial losses.

He said the cost of producing a single egg is around MAD 0.90, while farm-gate prices have ranged between MAD 0.50 and MAD 0.75.

At certain points, he added, producers were forced to sell eggs for as little as MAD 0.40 each.

Zaïm criticized what he described as a lack of intervention to address the difficulties facing producers, arguing that they have made significant efforts to maintain domestic supply and achieve market self-sufficiency.

He said daily production normally stands at around 23 million eggs, although output has declined slightly in recent weeks without undergoing any major change.

Consumer groups warn of renewed price pressure

Consumer advocates, meanwhile, have expressed concern over the renewed increase.

Nabil Safi, president of the Moroccan Consumer Protection Body, which operates under the Moroccan Federation of Consumer Rights, said the prospect of rising prices was once again becoming apparent in Moroccan markets.

He warned that further increases could affect household purchasing power and heighten consumer concerns about sudden price changes.

“The Moroccan consumer is increasingly worried about sudden price increases without prior warning,” Safi told Hespress.

He called on the authorities responsible for the sector to maintain continuous oversight of the market and ensure a balance between supply, prices and the interests of consumers and suppliers.

Safi said suppliers should be encouraged to maintain sufficient stocks to help stabilize prices at a level that allows consumers to continue buying eggs and chicken while also enabling suppliers, wholesalers and retailers to maintain reasonable profit margins.

He stressed that commercial activity should not be based on taking advantage of market conditions but on building consumer confidence and helping households cope with continued price pressures.

The consumer advocate also called for prices to remain within reasonable levels and for closer monitoring of production and expiration dates.

He urged authorities to strengthen inspections at wholesale markets and large retail outlets and conduct regular monitoring and inspection campaigns at stores, while ensuring compliance with hygiene and quality standards.

The latest increase comes after a period of significantly lower egg prices, highlighting the volatility of a market affected by changes in demand, production levels and the highly perishable nature of the product.