Moroccan Catering Industry Paralyzed by COVID-19, Seeks Government Aid

"The catering sector, at the moment, is at a standstill. This has been going on for more than 6 months, whereas it is the time of year when caterers work the most. Covid-19 has put this sector to the test and today it is paralyzed," confides to Aujourd’hui le Maroc Sidi Mohammed Rahal Essoulami, president of the Moroccan Federation of Caterers (FMT). In order to resume their activity, the professionals in the sector are counting on the help of the state.

Already, there has been a meeting between the FMT, a delegation from the joint commission of food trades and Moulay Hafid Elalamy, Minister of Industry, Trade and Green and Digital Economy. "We are open to all proposals that can help the activity recover, including allowing caterers to work on small receptions," says the president of the FMT. He is counting on the minister’s support for the resumption and better organization of their activity in these times of Covid-19.

The health crisis related to the coronavirus has had a negative impact on their activity. Many professionals in the sector have closed their businesses. Some have seen their turnover drop by up to 100%. The turnover of store owners has recorded a 70% drop. In the absence of a normal resumption of activity, professionals also have to face charges such as the payment of rents, salaries and taxes. An additional difficulty. Nearly 100,000 jobs are at risk.