Reportage of Moroccan television about the high cost of argan oil
he High Cost of Argan Oil: An Investigative Reportage by Moroccan Television
Meta Description: Why is argan oil so expensive? Moroccan television investigates the high cost of argan oil, revealing the challenges in production, distribution, and the impact on local communities.
Introduction to Argan Oil
Argan oil, extracted from the kernels of the argan tree (Argania spinosa L.), is one of Morocco’s most valuable natural resources. Known as “liquid gold,” this oil is praised for its cosmetic and culinary benefits.
Despite its growing global popularity, argan oil remains one of the most expensive oils in the world. Moroccan television recently aired an investigative reportage to uncover the reasons behind its high cost and its impact on local communities.
The History of the Argan Tree
The argan tree is native to Morocco and has been used for centuries by Berber communities for cooking and skincare. It thrives in arid soil and produces a fruit with a hard kernel that contains precious oil.
While argan oil is packed with vitamin E, antioxidants, and fatty acids, making it beneficial for skin and hair, its price has sparked debates in Morocco. Many locals cannot afford the oil produced in their own country.
The Extraction Process: Why Is Argan Oil So Expensive?
Producing argan oil is labor-intensive:
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The fruit is harvested by hand.
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The kernels are separated manually.
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The kernels are ground into a paste.
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Oil is extracted slowly.
👉 It takes 30 kilograms of nuts to make just one liter of argan oil.
This time-consuming process is one of the main reasons for its high cost.
Economic Impact on Moroccan Communities
The Moroccan TV reportage highlighted both the opportunities and challenges of the argan industry:
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Women’s cooperatives play a key role in producing argan oil.
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Rising prices benefit exporters more than local producers.
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Many Moroccan families cannot afford argan oil, despite living in its region of origin.
Challenges in Production and Distribution
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Limited supply – The argan tree grows only in Morocco, making production scarce.
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Traditional methods – Manual extraction increases labor costs.
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Distribution costs – Rural cooperatives face difficulties reaching international markets.
These challenges drive up the final price of argan oil, making it a luxury item worldwide.
Potential Solutions to Lower Costs
The reportage suggested ways to make argan oil more accessible:
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Introducing mechanization while preserving traditional techniques.
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Supporting cooperatives with government subsidies.
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Promoting fair trade initiatives to ensure women earn fair wages.
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Scaling production with larger facilities to meet demand.
Conclusion
The high cost of argan oil reflects a complex balance between tradition, scarcity, and global demand. While it remains a luxury product worldwide, Moroccan television’s reportage shows that better regulation, fair trade, and support for local cooperatives could help both producers and consumers benefit more equitably.
👉 Argan oil will always be Morocco’s “liquid gold,” but the challenge remains: how can it become both sustainable and affordable?