Food Truck Boom Challenges Traditional Restaurants in Morocco

Since 2020, food trucks have been rolling in Casablanca. Authorized by the city, these food trucks operate in industrial zones, university campuses, training centers, administrative districts, public gardens and beaches, according to Maroc Diplomatique. What about the specifications for food truck investors? The urban municipality of Casablanca requires in particular the display of the menu and prices, compliance with a minimum distance between food trucks (at least one kilometer), strict compliance with current hygiene standards (including access to water and electricity, the presence of a refrigerator, a waste management system and stainless steel equipment), as well as the prohibition of preparing dishes based on milk and dairy products, as well as traditional dishes such as couscous and tagines.

The managers of restaurants and cafes in the Casa-Settat region take a dim view of the current decision to authorize food trucks in Casablanca. They fear unfair competition, particularly in terms of tax distortion between traditional restaurants and the new food trucks, which will lead to the closure of some establishments, according to Le Matin.ma. Currently, they are trying to recover from the health crisis. The Moroccan Federation of Cafes and Fast Food (FMCR) recently called on the wali of the Casa-Settat region to cancel this decision authorizing food trucks.