Hespress poll: Majority of Moroccans prefer consuming domestic products

A recent Hespress poll reveals a strong preference among readers for Moroccan products over foreign ones. Of the 7,882 respondents, 4,758 (60.37%) favored Moroccan products, while 3,124 (39.63%) preferred foreign products.

Abdelrazak El-Hiri, a professor of economic sciences at Mohamed Ben Abdallah Saïs University in Fez, described the results as “a positive outcome that challenges Moroccan producers to enhance quality in order to attract more local consumers and expand the national market base.” He emphasized that increased domestic sales could lower production costs and boost the competitiveness of Moroccan products both locally and internationally.

“The preference for Moroccan products supports the national economy by creating sustainable jobs, promoting social peace, improving living standards, and strengthening national enterprises and economic institutions,” El-Hiri told Hespress.

However, El-Hiri also noted that businesses need to conduct thorough market research to understand Moroccan consumers’ needs and preferences. “This in-depth knowledge, while potentially costly, will yield significant long-term benefits by increasing sales and improving the perception of Moroccan products, which face intense competition from imports,” he added.

Economist Mohammed Jadri attributed the poll results to a strong desire among Moroccans to support local products. “This spirit of Tamgrabit, evident in various national successes and challenges, extends to consumer choices,” Jadri said. He noted that the availability of Moroccan products, coupled with technological advancements and global market access, has led consumers to find local products often more appealing than foreign ones, particularly those from Asia.

Jadri also pointed out that economic factors, such as rising prices for raw materials and logistics, have made many local products more affordable. “As purchasing power is affected by global price increases, many Moroccans find local products to be a more economical choice,” he said.

The poll results highlight the need for ongoing improvements in quality and market understanding to maintain and grow this trend.