Morocco's growing dependence on vegetable oil imports

Morocco has significantly increased its imports of vegetable oils, particularly sunflower oil, in recent years. This shift in consumption patterns is largely driven by inflation and changing consumer preferences. According to a report from the Russian Federal Center for the Development of Agricultural Exports, Morocco's reliance on vegetable oil imports has continued to rise, with a focus on sunflower oil.

In 2023, Morocco spent approximately $120 million to import 660,000 tons of vegetable oils, highlighting the country's growing dependence on these products. Notably, 85% to 90% of Morocco's demand for cooking oil is met through imports, making it one of the key players in the global trade of this essential product.

Despite the fact that local production of sunflower oil has been unable to meet consumption levels, the country plans to expand its sunflower cultivation area. Currently, local production reaches only 30,000 tons annually, with 22,000 hectares dedicated to sunflower farming. Morocco aims to increase this area to 50,000 hectares by 2030 to meet the growing demand for vegetable oil.

The report further reveals that domestic production has experienced a slight decline, dropping from 29,000 tons in the 2019-2020 season to 28,000 tons in the current year. Meanwhile, sunflower oil consumption has surged, reaching 104,900 tons in 2023, a 2.5-fold increase compared to the previous year. This surge in consumption reflects consumers' growing preference for sunflower oil, influenced by fluctuations in prices and rising food costs.

As food prices increase, Moroccan consumers are opting for smaller packaging sizes. The demand for 0.5-liter bottles rose from 12.2% in 2019 to 14.8% in 2023, while the demand for 0.25-liter bottles showed a similar increase. Conversely, larger 2 and 3-liter bottles have seen a decrease in market share, reflecting changes in consumer behavior.

Despite its heavy reliance on imports, Morocco also exports sunflower oil. In 2023, the country exported 12,500 tons of sunflower oil, valued at $17.7 million. These exports go to neighboring countries such as Lebanon, Libya, and Senegal, showing Morocco's capacity to supply regional markets.

The market is dominated by three major companies—"Zait Sousse Belhassan", "Amnium North Africa", and "Avril Group"—which together control over 80% of the vegetable oil sales in the country.