Limited Activity in Wholesale Markets
Mirroring the situation across various facilities and sectors in Morocco, the wholesale markets for fruits and vegetables in several cities are experiencing a significant slowdown in commercial activity, primarily due to decreased demand and a persistent shortage of labor. This downturn coincides with the Eid Al-Adha holiday, a time traditionally marked by increased consumer activity.
According to industry sources, some traders and professionals resumed their operations starting from the second day of Eid, with expectations that the wholesale markets will gradually regain their commercial momentum in the upcoming week. This anticipated recovery aligns with the return of the workforce and the regular supply of agricultural products from farms.
Insights from Industry Leaders
Abdelrazak El Shabi, the president of the Wholesale Market Traders Association for Fruits and Vegetables in Casablanca, stated that "some wholesale markets across the kingdom resumed their commercial activities since the second day of Eid Al-Adha." He also noted that the current commercial movement is characterized by a weak supply due to the scarcity of available goods and the incomplete return of workers to their jobs, coupled with the continued closure of most cold storage facilities.
In an interview with Hespress, El Shabi explained that the decline in the quantity of goods on offer coincides with a noticeable drop in demand. This is largely because citizens stocked up on agricultural products in abundance before the holiday to avoid any shortages that might arise from the temporary closure of shops during the days following this occasion. He emphasized that the full return of commercial activity in the wholesale markets will occur gradually, spanning at least a week.
El Shabi pointed out that the laborers and transporters predominantly come from regions such as the Atlas and Souss, viewing this holiday as a rare annual opportunity to visit their families and take a break. He elaborated that the limited number of vendors operating immediately after Eid are those who either possess their own transportation or have suppliers available on the farms during this period.
A professional source within the wholesale fruits and vegetables market in Inzegane mentioned that access to the market on Friday was restricted to a few carts loaded with various types of fruits and vegetables. The source revealed that, unlike regular times, only one entry point was open, indicating that the return of commercial activity will be gradual and is expected to return to normal by the end of the upcoming week.
As reported by hespress.com.
