Like every year, with the advent of the month of Ramadan, the date market (Souk T'mar) of the metropolis records unusual activity. Located at Derb Milan at the level of the Al Fida-Mers Sultan prefecture, the alleys of the market are stormed during this period by consumers and retailers from the entire Greater Casablanca region. "Casablanca's 'Souk T'mar' is known at the national and international level too. It is supplied by wholesalers coming from different cities in Morocco and abroad," emphasises a date seller. Indeed, if one finds all varieties of dates in this market, it must be recognised that prices have increased compared to last year. By strolling between the different stalls, one plunges into the atmosphere of the oases of Errachidia, Ouarzazate, Tata, and Figuig. In addition to the usual colourful displays of dates, figs, and other dried fruits, during the month of Ramadan, one finds trucks of "Madjhoul", "Bouggous", "Bouskri", "Khalts", "Aguellid"... These varieties of Moroccan dates are of first quality, according to Haj Ali who sells products from Zagora: "One can also find in this market second-category dates like 'Jihel', 'Bourar', 'Bouserdoun'... and third-category ones like 'Bouslikhen', 'Bousthami', 'Iklène', etc." Another seller confides to us that even if they are appreciated, Moroccan dates are competed with by those from Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, and Iraq. "I prefer Tunisian dates because they are sweet and at an affordable price," a regular at this market confides to us. Questioned on this subject, some sellers in the "souk" recognise that "Moroccan dates are of very good quality, but consumers are used to buying well-packaged products from abroad. Furthermore, dates from Tunisia, Egypt, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates are more abundant." And to add that the market is flooded with Moroccan dates from old harvests kept in the fridge. Indeed, it is only in the last week of the month of Ramadan that one will be able to consume fresh Moroccan products coming from Zagora.
-* Moroccan dates:
-* "Madjhoul": between 120 and 150 DH.
-* "Bouggous": 40 DH on average.
-* "Khalts": nearly 30 DH per kilo.
-* "Jihel": between 15 and 20 DH.
-* Other varieties:
-* South African dates: 120 DH.
-* The prices of dates from other Arab countries (Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Tunisia) vary between 12 and 22 DH.
