The most popular products from the Moroccan regions
The range of labeled Moroccan local products includes more than forty products that are specific to a Moroccan territory. Their taste qualities, sizes, color, nutritional, and/or therapeutic value make them safe bets, often imitated but never identical to the original product. With these invaluable assets, Morocco has opted for a quality labeling strategy for its local products. This approach has been adopted as the main focus for the development of agricultural products (fruits & vegetables, condiments, spices, herbs, oils, honey, aromatic and medicinal plants, and other byproducts, etc.).
This labeling policy is also a marker of authenticity and traceability that provides distinctive signs of origin and quality. It is a way to protect the authenticity of unique varieties against imitation or usurpation, to enhance them, and promote them for export. In total, the Moroccan terroir has around forty products with a quality label, including 30 geographical indications, five designations of origin in addition to other agricultural labels. The products with a quality label all come from the exclusive Moroccan terroir, in all regions and territories of the country. The products with very strong national and international brand awareness, include, in particular, precious olive and argan oils, fresh and dried fruits (clementine, apple, pomegranate, dates, and almonds), or even aromatic and medicinal plants as well as their derivatives (rosemary, rose, and saffron). Added to this are products of animal origin (honey, cheese, camel milk, and red meats).
In addition to the directory and detailed inventory of a series of products, quality labeling has several challenges: First, it is a tool for promoting the great diversity and promoting the quality of local products and know-how of local people. Secondly, a quality label makes it possible to accelerate the development of rural areas, social inclusion, and the improvement of farmers’ incomes. Finally, a quality label is a means of promoting agriculture in rural areas that is capable of protecting biodiversity and natural resources as well as the preservation of gastronomic, craft, and cultural heritage. Obviously, quality labeling guarantees more commercial and marketing opportunities for the products concerned, both on the domestic and export markets. In Morocco, there are three distinctive signs used. First, the agricultural label allows the recognition of a product that has a set of specific qualities and characteristics.
Generally, the product in question has a high level of quality, superior to that of similar products from which it differs in particular because of its production and manufacturing conditions and, where applicable, its geographical origin. Secondly, there is the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). This denomination makes it possible to identify a product as originating from a terroir, region, or locality, when a quality, a reputation, or any other specific characteristic of said product can be attributed essentially to this geographical origin and when that production and/or processing and/or preparation take place in the defined geographical area. Third, the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) provides information on the geographical name of a region, a specific place or, in certain exceptional cases, a country, used to designate a product which originates there and whose quality, reputation, or all other characteristics are due exclusively or essentially to the original geographical environment, which provides information on precise human and natural factors, or even production, processing, and development conditions that are specific to a precise geographical context, to a soil, to a territory , a terroir… that is like no other.
DSOQs: Distinctive Signs of Origin and Quality
The labeling of agricultural products is governed by Law No. 25-06, relating to the Distinctive Signs of Origin and Quality (DSOQs) for foodstuffs and agricultural and fishery products, a law enacted by “Dahir” (Royal Decree) number 1-08-56 of May 23, 2008. This law created the legal framework which allows the recognition and protection of DSOQs. This system gives the opportunity to the products concerned to penetrate the markets and to be protected against any possible usurpation both nationally and internationally.
Amin RBOUB
