Limited Activity in Wholesale Markets Following Eid Al-Adha
In Morocco, the wholesale markets for fruits and vegetables are experiencing significantly limited commercial activity across several cities, largely due to a decline in demand and the persistent absence of labor. This situation coincides with the holiday of Eid Al-Adha, which traditionally sees a surge in consumer activity. Professional sources have indicated that some traders and professionals resumed operations starting from the second day of Eid, with expectations that these wholesale markets will gradually regain their commercial momentum over the coming week as labor forces return and the supply of agricultural products from farms stabilizes.
Abdel Razak Chabi, the president of the Casablanca Wholesale Market for Fruits and Vegetables Association, confirmed that “some wholesale markets in the kingdom reinitiated their commercial activities from the second day of Eid Al-Adha.” He noted, however, that current trading activity is characterized by limited supply due to a scarcity of available goods and the fact that not all workers have returned to their jobs yet, alongside the ongoing closure of most cold storage facilities.
Gradual Recovery Expected
Chabi further explained in a statement to Hespress that the reduction in the quantity of goods available for sale is correlating with a noticeable decline in demand, as consumers had purchased their agricultural needs in abundance before the holiday to avoid any shortfalls that might arise from the temporary closure of stores in the days following this celebration. He emphasized that the full return to commercial activity in the wholesale markets is expected to take place gradually over the course of at least a week. Many laborers and transporters typically come from regions like the Atlas and Souss and view this holiday as a rare annual opportunity to visit their families and take some time off.
The spokesperson elaborated that the sellers who are operating immediately after the holiday, albeit in limited numbers, are those with private transportation means or who have suppliers available within the farms during this period. A professional source from the wholesale fruit and vegetable market in Inzegan noted that access to the market was limited on Friday, with only a few carts loaded with various types of fruits and vegetables permitted entry. Unlike regular times, a single access point was opened, and it was revealed that the return of activity will be gradual, with a complete return expected by the end of the week.
As reported by hespress.com.
