Algiers, January 14, 2026 – The Algerian market is poised to experience a sufficient supply of red meat during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan, with prices expected to be accessible to consumers, according to Sofiane Bahbou, President of the National Federation of Red Meat Importers.
In an exclusive interview with DZWatch, Bahbou emphasized the commitment of economic operators to ensuring the availability of this essential commodity throughout Ramadan. He highlighted the collaborative efforts between the private sector and the government to achieve this goal.
“The government initiated preparations for Ramadan 2026 six months ago, marking a significant step forward,” Bahbou stated. “Meetings were held with representatives from the Ministries of Trade and Agriculture, resulting in a comprehensive action plan. Private economic operators have been actively involved in this program since President’s decision to liberalize imports in late 2023. Our efforts in Ramadan 2024 and 2025 proved successful, providing Algerian citizens with a wide range of choices, including imported meat from Europe and Latin America, as well as lamb. Public institutions are also importing live cattle for slaughter. This collective effort has ensured the availability of diverse meat options in butcher shops across the country.”
While acknowledging the progress made, Bahbou noted that private economic operators are still awaiting licenses to import live cattle and sheep for slaughter. He also addressed the issue of profit margins, stating, “The state has set a 4% profit margin for meat, which we adhere to. However, we observe that public institutions with permits to import live animals do not have a similar ceiling, creating a disparity between the prices of fresh and live meat.”
Despite these challenges, Bahbou expressed confidence in the market’s ability to meet consumer demand. “There will be a significant surplus in the market,” he affirmed. “The program is well-defined, and the government and economic operators are united in their commitment. We are dedicated to ensuring the availability of meat during Ramadan, with ample quantities and affordable prices for Algerian consumers. We are confident that the supply will be sufficient.”
DZWatch will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as Ramadan approaches.
