Morocco showcases local products at Abu Dhabi Global Food Week

Morocco is showcasing its local agricultural products at Global Food Week in Abu Dhabi, seeking to expand export opportunities for cooperatives and local producers, particularly in the UAE and wider Gulf markets.

The three-day event, which opened Tuesday, brings together food and nutrition industry stakeholders. Morocco is participating through a pavilion organized by the Agricultural Development Agency spanning more than 270 square meters and featuring 25 cooperatives from across the country.

The cooperatives are presenting products including argan oil, dates, saffron, olive oil and couscous, highlighting the diversity of Morocco’s agricultural heritage.

Mahjouba Chakil, director of local product marketing development at the Agricultural Development Agency, said Morocco has participated in the event since 2013.

This year’s participating cooperatives include more than 783 members, 41% of whom are women, she told Hespress in Abu Dhabi.

Chakil said the participation provides cooperatives with opportunities to move beyond local markets by meeting international buyers and exploring export partnerships.

The Moroccan pavilion also includes a tasting area where visitors can sample Moroccan products and learn about the country’s culinary traditions.

The program includes business-to-business meetings with potential buyers. Chakil said initial indications of potential sales had emerged, although any commercial impact will depend on whether those discussions result in agreements.

For some cooperatives, the event represents an early step toward international markets.

Lamia Alaouni, head of the Koufabat cooperative in El Jadida province, said it was the cooperative’s first exhibition in Abu Dhabi. The cooperative specializes in medicinal and aromatic plants and has 15 women members.

Alaouni said the cooperative’s main objective is to establish commercial relationships that can provide stable income for its members.

The cooperative, established four years ago, has received training and support from Morocco’s Office of Development and Cooperation and the Agricultural Development Agency to improve production quality and management.

The event is also providing Moroccan date producers with access to Gulf buyers.

Youssef Issa, head of the Oases of Figuig economic interest group, said the group represents six cooperatives and more than 600 date farmers and producers.

He said the group was seeking to build commercial relationships that could help Moroccan date varieties reach new markets.

The region produces varieties including Aziza and Medjool, the latter of which has strong demand in international markets, Issa said.

He added that international food events provide an opportunity to bring Moroccan local products closer to Gulf consumers while connecting producers with distributors and potential buyers.