‘Let him cackle’: Moroccans boycott chicken
Morocco is in the grip of an unprecedented boycott movement as the price of chicken has reached new heights, forcing consumers to take a firm stand. Since the beginning of 2024, the price of chicken, once affordable, has skyrocketed to 30 dirhams per kilo, transforming a staple food into a luxury that many Moroccans can no longer afford.
Faced with this surge in prices, social networks quickly mobilized. Under the viral hashtag “let it cackle,” Moroccans launched a massive campaign calling for a boycott of poultry, denouncing a price increase deemed unjustified. This movement gained momentum, with images and messages circulating online, illustrating chicken as a product that had become out of reach for the average consumer.
Farmers are trying to justify this price increase by citing rising production costs, particularly due to the drought and the rise in feed prices. However, these explanations do not convince consumers, who refuse to be drawn into this inflationary spiral.
The boycott is already having a significant impact on Morocco’s restaurant industry. Fast food and restaurant businesses, particularly reliant on chicken for their menus, are being forced to reevaluate their options. Some are considering reducing portions to keep prices attractive, while others have no choice but to raise prices, risking losing an already disgruntled clientele.
The situation has also raised broader questions about Morocco’s economy and consumption practices. Some observers believe that the crisis could lead to a reevaluation of eating habits and a greater awareness of the real costs associated with food production.
In the meantime, Moroccans continue to make their voices heard on social media, hoping that their boycott will force chicken prices back down to more affordable levels. The outcome of this standoff remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: chicken, once an everyday commodity, is now at the heart of a national debate over purchasing power and inflation.
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