Moroccan Cafes Absorb Rising Coffee Costs to Protect Consumers

Ahmed Boufakrane, national coordinator of the National Union of Cafe and Restaurant Owners in Morocco, described the situation to the local site Kech24. He notably indicated that the price of medium-quality coffees had risen from 80-120 dirhams to 180-190 dirhams, and that high-end coffees now exceed 250 dirhams.

Several factors contribute to this price increase: the increase in customs duties, the shortage of coffee beans on the international market and the surge in transportation costs, particularly diesel. The increase in the price of diesel had a direct impact on the cost of basic products, including coffee, he specified.

Despite these difficulties, the prices of coffee-based drinks have remained stable since 2023. Some cafes have made minor increases, in the order of one dirham, to take into account the economic situation of Moroccans.

This situation weighs heavily on the profitability of cafes and restaurants, affirms Boufakrane, deploring the lack of government reaction to this crisis and alerting to the consequences for employment. He notably mentioned his own case, having had to lay off half of his employees.