Olive prices in Morocco fall amid bumper harvest, while harvesting costs rise

Morocco’s olive harvest has begun, with raw olive prices declining as supplies from the new crop increase. According to preliminary market data, green olive prices have fallen to around 5 Moroccan dirhams/kg in several regions. The bumper harvest is expected to contribute to lower olive oil prices on the domestic market in the coming months.

In Nador province, particularly in the Zaio and Bouarg areas, harvesting is gaining momentum, while local olive mills are ready to receive and process the new crop. Amid rising supplies, market participants are discussing the possibility of retail olive oil prices falling to 50 dirhams/liter. However, reaching this level will depend on crop quality, oil extraction rates, as well as transportation and processing costs.

Despite declining olive prices, producers are facing a significant increase in labor costs. In the Guercif region, daily wages for seasonal workers have risen to 200–250 dirhams, while the cost of harvesting a single crate of olives has reached 30 dirhams. This is putting additional financial pressure on farmers, who are being forced to sell their crop at lower prices.

The situation is further complicated by a shortage of seasonal workers, driven by youth migration and the physically demanding nature of work on olive plantations. Labor shortages are increasing harvesting costs and limiting farmers’ ability to benefit from higher yields. Under these conditions, even increased production does not guarantee a corresponding improvement in farm profitability.

Meanwhile, the expected decline in olive oil prices could support domestic demand following several years of high prices. For Moroccan producers, the main challenge remains maintaining profitability amid falling raw olive prices and rising labor costs.

Tags: olive, Morocco