The “Affordable Fish” initiative in Morocco has sold 2,150 tons of seafood, spanning over 40 cities since February 22. It aims to address public concerns over high fish prices and involves mobile caravans reaching remote areas, ensuring accessibility, especially during Ramadan. With strong consumer trust and plans for further distribution, the initiative may influence ongoing discussions regarding fish pricing in the country.
The “Affordable Fish” initiative in Morocco has proven to be notably successful since its inception, with 2,150 tons of frozen seafood sold across more than 40 cities. Launched on February 22 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, the program was intended to alleviate the growing public concern regarding the high prices of fish. Aimed at making seafood accessible at reasonable prices, it has garnered significant support from citizens.
Originally, the initiative aimed to distribute over 4,000 tons of fish, and it continues to expand its reach. Sales points are established in major cities such as Casablanca, Rabat, Sale, Fez, Agadir, Marrakech, and Dakhla. Additionally, mobile fish caravans are dispatched to remote areas to provide seafood access, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.
The initiative has attracted a robust customer base, with nearly 400 individuals visiting each sales point daily. The Ministry attributes this success to public trust in both the quality and pricing of the frozen fish, all of which undergoes rigorous safety checks established by the National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA).
Plans for increased distribution are underway, focusing on enhancing logistics and coordination among fishing industry members to ensure a steady seafood supply throughout Ramadan. This initiative has sparked a broader debate about fish pricing in Morocco, particularly following a young man’s endeavor in Marrakech to sell sardines at a significantly lower price than the market average, highlighting the role of middlemen in pricing.
Fishermen have noted that wholesale sardine prices are considerably lower than retail prices, raising questions about the marked-up costs faced by consumers. The informal discourse surrounding fish prices continues to evolve as the initiative strives to make seafood accessible to all Moroccans.
The “Affordable Fish” initiative has successfully delivered substantial amounts of seafood at affordable prices to Moroccan citizens, addressing public concerns over high fish prices. The program’s expansion into various cities and remote areas, combined with quality assurances, has garnered widespread consumer trust. Furthermore, the initiative has incited critical discussions regarding the supply chain and pricing practices in the fish market, emphasizing the need for transparency and fairness in retail pricing.
Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com
