The onion market in the Souss-Massa region, particularly in Agadir, has recently experienced notable changes, with Spanish-imported onions gaining a stronger presence and competing with locally produced onions.
A visit to Souk El Had shows a growing demand for Spanish onions, largely driven by their lower prices compared to Moroccan onions, which have reached up to 15 dirhams per kilogram.
Industry professionals indicate that this shift began around mid-Ramadan, when traders sought more affordable alternatives to meet increasing demand, with Spanish onions priced between 8 and 10 dirhams, compared to around 12 dirhams for local produce.
They also point out differences in quality and taste, attributing them to transportation and storage conditions, particularly refrigeration, which may affect shelf life and flavor.
This situation is linked to a transitional phase in agricultural production, as the market awaits the arrival of summer harvests expected to stabilize supply.
A gradual decline in prices is also anticipated in the coming months, potentially easing pressure on consumers.