فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Fes-Meknes – The current olive harvest season in the Fes-Meknes region, which contributes up to 38% of national olive production, has witnessed a significant decline in olive oil and table olive prices compared to the previous season when the price per liter reached 100 dirhams or more. This decline comes as a result of the expected record abundant production, estimated at two million tons of olives at the national level, supported by improved climatic conditions and recent rainfall.
Olive Oil Prices in Local Markets
According to field reports and professional statements, virgin olive oil prices in the Fes-Meknes region currently range between 50 and 80 dirhams per liter, with an average of approximately 70 dirhams. In areas such as Sefrou, El Menzel, Taounate, and Ifrane, a liter is sold in modern and traditional mills between 55 and 60 dirhams, representing a decline of up to 40% compared to last season. Rachid Benali, president of the Interprofessional Olive Federation, also predicted a further decline to around 50 dirhams per liter in the coming weeks, thanks to increased production to more than 200,000 tons of oil.
This decline reflects the abundant yield in the region’s provinces such as Sefrou (30,000 hectares planted), Boulemane, and Taza, where rainfall has contributed to improving the quality and quantity of fruit.
Table Olive Prices
As for table olives, the price per kilogram ranges between 6 and 8 dirhams in weekly markets and mills in the El Menzel, Ain Chkef, and Bir Tam Tam areas. These low prices make the product accessible to local households, especially with the variety of types such as “Moroccan Picholine,” which constitutes 75% of plantations. The stability in these prices is attributed to the increase in new planted areas (7,500 hectares) and the entry of large investors, which increased supply in the domestic market.
Factors Behind the Decline and Its Impact on Consumers and Farmers
This price decline comes after years of drought that led to prices rising to 85-90 dirhams at the beginning of the previous season. Aziz Akhannouch, the Prime Minister, confirmed during a tour in Tissa in Taounate Province that the region’s production contributes to the continued price decline, easing the burden on households and boosting local consumption. However, mill owners have raised controversy over pressing costs, prompting small farmers to demand additional support to maintain their profitability.
Conversely, consumers in cities like Fes and Meknes benefit from the availability of fresh oil at reasonable prices, especially with 78 mills in Sefrou Province alone.
Remaining Season Expectations
With harvesting operations continuing until January or February 2026, professionals expect further price declines, making the 2025-2026 season an opportunity to boost domestic consumption and support small farmers. Local stakeholders are calling for enhanced guidance and support to preserve this vital sector.
