Egyptian Dates Pervasive in Morocco's Market as Ramadan Nears

Rabat – Morocco is looking to import more dates as the holy month of Ramadan is just around the corner.

Recent reports shed light on Morocco's efforts to ensure that local demand for dates is met amid challenges, including drought.

Recent remarks from Minister of Agriculture Ahmed Bouari acknowledged that the rainfall for the current season is weak compared to the past 30 years.

This would certainly affect the current agriculture season, which has faced struggles, such as less cereal production and imports of goods that are commonly harvested in the country. 

A new report from agriculture-focused outlet FreshPlaza said that the overwhelming majority of dates that are available in markets, including Casablanca, are sourced from abroad. 

The report noted Moroccan consumers are especially hungry for dates, before and during the holy month of Ramadan.

"This year, we're seeing even fewer Moroccan dates because of the drought in the main growing areas," the news outlet quoted one importer as saying.

Morocco does not only rely on Tunisian dates. The country also imports the product from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, among others.