The weekly market of Had Ras El Aïn, located near Marrakech, Morocco, continues to showcase a strong demand for local meat despite rising prices. Currently, the cost of sheep meat can reach up to 140 dirhams per kilogram, while local beef is priced between 110 and 120 dirhams per kilogram. This trend indicates that consumers are still willing to prioritize local production due to its superior quality, even as prices remain high. Butchers have attributed these increases to the rising costs associated with livestock feed and a dwindling supply of meat.
At the Had Ras El Aïn market, the prices of red meat have been consistently high, reflecting a continuous upward trend observed over the past months that has placed a financial burden on families frequenting this rural commercial space. One butcher reported selling beef at 120 dirhams per kilogram, with goat meat at the same price and sheep meat at 130 dirhams. He noted that while meat is available, it has become increasingly expensive, with the price of calves fluctuating between 45,000 and 50,000 dirhams, which also affects local meat availability.
Another butcher confirmed this observation, indicating that although local meat remains accessible, its price is elevated due to the high cost of livestock feed. He emphasized the quality of this meat as a significant factor driving consumer preference. In his stall, sheep meat is sold between 130 and 140 dirhams per kilogram, while local beef is offered at 110 dirhams. These prices strain household budgets, yet they do not deter all customers from sticking to their regular choices.
The price disparity between local and imported meat illustrates the tough decisions consumers face. A third butcher indicated that local veal is sold at 110 dirhams per kilogram compared to 80 to 90 dirhams for imported meat. He asserted that he does not sell imported meat, as his clientele prefers to buy local, even if it comes at a higher price. According to him, quality is a decisive criterion influencing the purchasing choices of those who visit the market.
Butchers rely on several weekly markets in the region for their supply, mentioning Kelaâ des Sraghna, Marrakech, Souihla, and El Attaouia as key sourcing locations. However, they have noticed that the supply of meat is not as abundant as it used to be, which, coupled with the high costs of livestock and feed, poses additional challenges for the professionals in this sector, maintaining the elevated prices.
Prices vary from one stall to another, with yet another butcher offering beef at 110 dirhams per kilogram and sheep meat at 120 dirhams. These prices remain high, although they differ among vendors and types of meat sold. On the buyer's side, the quality of meat sold at Had Ras El Aïn is consistently highlighted in testimonials. A customer noted that the market is well-known for the quality of its meats, expressing satisfaction with the availability of products and the stability of prices.
Thus, even though prices remain steep, the market's reputation and the preference for local meat continue to influence purchasing decisions. At Had Ras El Aïn, local meat retains its loyal clientele, with prices soaring up to 140 dirhams per kilogram for sheep meat. This choice reflects the importance placed on quality, set against a backdrop where the cost of red meats remains a significant concern for households.
As reported by fr.le360.ma.
