Fruit and vegetable markets across Morocco have witnessed significant price increases in recent weeks, affecting several seasonal fruits and raising concerns among consumers, particularly low and middle-income households facing growing living costs.
Prices of apricots, peaches, plums, cherries, apples and avocados have risen sharply in several markets, with many consumers describing current prices as unusually high compared to previous seasons.
According to professionals in the sector, the increase begins at wholesale markets, where the price of some fruits, including apricots, can reach around 23 dirhams per kilogram before transportation and retail costs are added.
Vendors also noted that fruits sold before their natural harvesting season generally record higher prices because of limited supply and strong demand, particularly cherries, which have been sold in some areas for between 60 and 70 dirhams per kilogram.
In several markets, apple prices have exceeded 20 dirhams per kilogram, while avocados are being sold for around 50 dirhams, bananas for 15 dirhams and pineapples for nearly 30 dirhams.
Consumers interviewed expressed concern about the impact of rising fruit prices on purchasing power, while industry professionals attributed the situation to higher production and transport costs, climate-related factors and limited supply at the beginning of the agricultural season.