Casablanca vegetable prices surge amid heatwaves and export demand

Vegetable prices in Casablanca have risen significantly, placing increased pressure on household budgets. Essential items such as tomatoes are currently priced at approximately 10 dirhams per kilogram, while green beans and peas have reached between 14 and 16 dirhams. Other staples, including potatoes, onions, and zucchinis, also show marked increases.

Market professionals attribute the price hikes to several intersecting factors. Extreme heatwaves in September damaged crops, particularly in the Souss region, while seasonal transitions have created supply gaps between harvest periods in areas like Gharb and Doukkala and the delayed harvests in Agadir.

Furthermore, high demand from African, European, and Asian markets has increased export pressure on domestic production. Rising production costs, driven by higher fuel prices, labor shortages, and the escalating cost of fertilizers and raw materials, continue to impact the local market.