Chicken prices climb across Morocco

MOROCCO – The cost of live chickens has risen sharply in several Moroccan cities, with prices reaching about US$2.30 (23 dirhams) per kilogram in local markets, well above recent averages.

This jump comes despite earlier statements from industry representatives who said summer prices would stay near US$2 (20 dirhams) per kilogram because of steady supplies.

Consumer advocates say multiple factors are at play, including stronger demand from restaurants and wedding festivities, coupled with higher feed prices and heat-related flock losses.

According to Redouane Zouitni, a consumer rights campaigner, the current heat has killed large numbers of birds and reduced egg hatch rates in facilities without proper cooling equipment.

Union official Abdelkrim Kadouri explained that supply was also weakened by a reduction in chick production, with weekly output at the start of July falling under 9 million, compared to the 10 million usually needed.

He added that output has since started to improve, which could bring some price relief within about six weeks if conditions remain stable.

The poultry federation has meanwhile pointed to the rising cost of imported feed, fuel, and transport, as well as the role of middlemen who are inflating market prices, and called for closer monitoring of the trade.

Red meat prices remain unchanged

The increase in poultry prices comes only weeks after continued reports that red meat costs remain high despite several government efforts to lower household food expenses.

In butcher shops across Salé, for example, lamb leg cuts are still selling for around US$12 (120 dirhams) per kilogram, while both lamb and veal average about US$11 (110 dirhams) per kilogram.

Other popular cuts, such as steak, ground beef, and sausages, are priced between US$12 and US$13 (120–130 dirhams), leaving buyers with little relief after more than a year of elevated costs.

During Eid al-Adha there was a short dip in prices, but the adjustment ended quickly as the market returned to previous levels.

Butchers say shoppers now face three main categories of red meat: domestic, Spanish imports, and other foreign supplies.

In Temara, meat seller Yassir El Attar noted that buyers can clearly see the differences in cost and quality between these categories.

He added that wholesale slaughterhouses in Bouknadel are currently charging around US$9 (90 dirhams) per kilogram for veal and between US$8 and US$11 (80–110 dirhams) for lamb, depending on origin and cut.

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