Spanish onion imports gain ground as prices soar locally

Moroccan markets are seeing a surge in demand for onions imported from Spain, driven by a significant price gap compared to local produce. While locally grown onions are priced at around 18 dirhams per kilogram, Spanish imports sell for between 8 and 10 dirhams per kilogram.

This trend is largely due to a drop in local supply following the end of the «Karkoub» onion season, a staple variety in Morocco. The market is now awaiting more stable supply levels as summer approaches.

Imported onions come in several varieties, including white, copper, and red. However, some experts note that they may differ in taste from local onions, and raise concerns about potential quality issues linked to transport and refrigeration. Despite this, the lower price remains the main factor driving consumer demand.