Azura Group donates USD1.59M to Moroccan earthquake relief

MOROCCO – Azura Group, a Moroccan tomato producer and supplier has donated €1.5 million (USD 1.6 million) to support relief efforts in response to the devastating earthquake that struck the country on September 8th.

The rollout has been divided into two, with €1m (USD 1.06 million) being channeled to a special government fund created under the instruction of King Mohammed VI of Morocco. The remaining €500,000 (USD 531,450) will be used to support various NGO projects related to the disaster.

The 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains, 70 kilometers from Marrakesh, on September 8th. According to the British Red Cross, humanitarian needs are rapidly increasing.

The Moroccan government reports that the death toll has now exceeded 3,000, with an additional thousand still receiving treatment for injuries.

The impact of the earthquake on the fresh produce industry in Morocco, while still being assessed, is expected to be substantial.

So far, the earthquake has disrupted the country’s transportation networks, damaged storage facilities, and resulted in the loss of crops and livestock.

These factors have led to a decrease in the availability of fresh produce in the country, which may result in higher prices and limited access to nutritious food for the population.

Azura Group, whose values are centered on respect for the environment, commitment to a social approach, food safety, and the integration of different professions, continues to play a central role in aiding the victims affected by the earthquake.

“On behalf of the entire Azura Family, we extend our sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims affected by the earthquake,” the company said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been affected by this tragedy.”

Azura, created in 1988, is a family-owned group of Franco-Moroccan origin that specializes in the production of tomatoes, as well as herbs, edible flowers, and clams.

The group has emerged as a significant player in tomato production, boasting 16,000 employees, 50 production sites, and nearly 1,000 hectares of tomato crops. Additionally, the group is dedicated to actively participating in community development initiatives.

For instance, Azura’s employees, along with the association Citéco66, also participated in the World Cleanup Day, which took place in Canet-en-Roussillon.

On that day, the “Hand in Hand” charity, financed by Azura, provided volunteers with jackets and caps displaying the Citéco66 logo to support this civic action in favor of the environment.

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