Nestlé Closes Morocco Operations Center, Fueling Speculation of Market Exit

Created in 2008, the Casanearshore center of the world leader in dietary supplements, bottled waters and so many other nutrition products is no longer operational, reports Challenge. This center is now closed. As a result, some jobs have been eliminated while others have been transferred to Nestlé Maroc, its historic subsidiary.

In early 2020, some had questioned the Managing Director of Nestlé Maroc, Bruno Ciclé, about a likely downsizing plan in Morocco. But he had evaded the question. According to those who had questioned him, the company intends to impose a slimming cure on its activities. The next step would be the transfer of Nestlé Maroc’s sales force to the distributors, the same voices have advanced.

The group seems to confirm these allegations through the significant reduction of its investments in Morocco. This is evidenced by the inauguration on the site of its factory in El Jadida of a solar station financed by its French partner Quadran. The latter carried out the corresponding investment of nearly 12 million DH, as part of a 15-year electricity sales contract. This is a rather "light" approach that often interests investors who are uncertain about their long-term presence. The coming months or even years will determine whether Nestlé is quietly preparing to leave Morocco or not.