Snails market in Morocco

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the domestic snail market volume in Morocco expanded from 5 210 t to 6 644 t. This initial growth was supported by the sector's development under the Plan Maroc Vert strategy, which fostered investments, partnerships like the one with Italy for co-development, and the emergence of new farms. A significant driver in 2019 was the rising demand for snail-derived products, particularly mucus for cosmetic and pharmaceutical use, which boosted local consumption and contributed to the market increase. The period ended with stabilization in 2020 as the industry remained strongly export-oriented, aiming for ambitious production targets.

From 2021 to 2023, the market experienced a shift. A focus on improving quality and sanitary standards to meet international requirements in 2021 likely enhanced export competitiveness, which coincided with a temporary reduction in domestic volume. Subsequently, growing consumer appreciation for the nutritional and cosmetic benefits of snails strengthened local demand, helping the market recover to 7 491 t in 2022. The upward trend continued in 2023, with the market reaching 9 207 t. While Morocco secured a key export contract to Andalusia, a concurrent decrease in total exports freed more production for the domestic sector, further aided by sustained interest from young entrepreneurs entering heliciculture.

Production snails in Morocco

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Globally, Morocco was the leading producer of snails from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of snails, 2017-2020

World map of production of snails, 2017-2020

In 2020, Morocco produced 17,045 tonnes of snails, marking a slight increase of 2.4% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 5.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.8%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 0.8%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018, at 3.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Morocco in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

After two years of growth, Morocco's snail production in value terms declined. In 2020, the output was valued at 16,455 thousand US dollars, representing a contraction of 2.6% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production increased by 18%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.7%. The maximum value was reached in 2019 at 16,902 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 13.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Morocco in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports snails from Morocco

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Morocco's snail exports stood at 10,401 tonnes, showing a modest rise of 5.1% versus the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 5.6%, with an average annual decline of 1.9%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 9,894 tonnes, while the maximum was in 2018 at 11,635 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 15.0%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 5.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Morocco in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Spain and Portugal formed the core of Morocco's snail exports in kind, together accounting for 100.0% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Morocco in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Snail exports from Morocco declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Morocco exported snails worth 10,041 thousand US dollars, remaining broadly stable compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 5.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.9%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 10,351 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 2.9%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 9.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Morocco in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Spain, with 81.4% of total flows, and Portugal, with 18.5%, were the key markets for Morocco's snail exports in value terms, together forming 99.9% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Morocco in value, 2017-2020

Imports snails to Morocco

Imports in kind, t

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. In 2020, Morocco's snail imports from abroad totalled 0.5 tonnes, equivalent to a sudden drop of 99.2% over the past year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 66 tonnes, with a 138-fold variation between the peak in 2018 and the trough in 2020. The largest increase occurred in 2018 at 29.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Morocco in kind, 2017-2020, t

In 2017 to 2020, the geographical pattern of imports in kind reflected a strong dependence on Spain, which absorbed 98.4% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Morocco in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. In 2020, Morocco's snail imports totalled 27 thousand US dollars, reflecting a decrease of 72.6% compared to the previous year. The highest value was reached in 2019 at 98 thousand US dollars, while the lowest occurred in 2020, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 3.6 times. The largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 10.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Morocco in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2017 to 2020, Spain took the dominant position in imports in value terms, accounting for 78.4% of total flows, while the remaining share was distributed among various smaller destinations.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Morocco in value, 2017-2020