Red meat prices in Morocco remain high despite government efforts

MOROCCO – Red meat prices in Morocco continue to remain high, with little movement despite multiple government actions aimed at stabilizing food costs.

A visit to butcher shops in cities like Salé reveals that “gigot” lamb cuts are still being sold at around US$12 (120 dirhams) per kilogram, while both lamb and veal average close to US$11 (110 dirhams) per kilogram.

More refined options such as steak, minced beef, and sausages fall between US$12 and US$13 (120–130 dirhams), offering no relief to shoppers who have faced these prices for over a year.

Only during Eid al-Adha did prices dip slightly, but the reduction was short-lived and quickly reversed in the weeks that followed.

Local butchers say the market is currently split into three types of products—local meat, meat imported from Spain, and other foreign imports.

In Temara, red meat producer Yassir El Attar explained that the retail market reflects price and quality differences that are clearly visible to consumers.

He added that regional slaughterhouses, such as those in Bouknadel, continue to charge wholesale prices of about US$9 (90 dirhams) for veal and between US$8 and US$11 (80–110 dirhams) for lamb, depending on the cut and source.

Despite it being a season traditionally associated with higher consumption due to weddings and family gatherings, El Attar noted that the typical spike in demand has not materialized this year.

Imported Spanish beef, particularly from the Limousin breed, is available but still appeals to only a narrow segment of consumers.

According to El Attar, meat from Brazil faces resistance in the market due to ongoing concerns about its quality.

In Fez, butcher Mohamed Ben Allouane reported persistent supply issues at wholesale meat markets, which have made it harder for retailers to adjust their pricing.

Ben Allouane said that lamb at wholesale currently costs about US$9 (90 dirhams) per kilogram, while liver is sold at up to US$12 (120 dirhams).

Retail prices have stayed steady, with veal at around US$10.50 (105 dirhams), lamb at US$11 (110 dirhams), and ground meat at US$12 (120 dirhams).

Though demand is generally sluggish, butchers across the country have noticed that customer complaints have become less frequent, suggesting that many buyers may have adjusted to the sustained high costs.

Limited relief from government policies

The Moroccan government has introduced import programs and subsidies in hopes of controlling food inflation, but their effect on long-term pricing in the red meat sector has yet to be reflected at the consumer level.

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