Why Argan Oil Is So Expensive | So Expensive

argan oil can cost as much as 300 per liter making it the world's most expensive edible oil just 20 years ago however the production of argan oil was isolated to local villages in morocco with international sales virtually non-existent but since then the formation of women-run cooperatives has transformed the production into a billion-dollar industry so why has argan oil suddenly gained such popularity and what makes it so expensive argan oil is predominantly used in high-end cosmetic products and moroccan cuisine the oil comes from the seed of the argan tree native only to the narrow strip of semi-desert between morocco's atlantic coast and the atlas mountains the amazia people of north africa have been using the argan seeds for centuries and the methods for creating this costly oil haven't changed me once collected the argon fruits are sun-dried before being peeled and de-pulped by hand to remove the fleshy outer layers the leftover argan nut then needs to be cracked to retrieve the oil-rich kernel inside of the leftover pulp removed from the fruit is sold as animal feed particularly for goats who are intrinsically linked to the argan tree in some areas it's tradition to allow goats to climb the trees to freely feed on the fruits argan kernels are then collected from their excrement saving the laborious work of cracking open the nuts manually but nowadays in most argon forestries this peculiar site is merely used as a tourist attraction [Music] it doesn't [Music] [Music] traditionally amazing women who until 1956 required the man's permission to leave their homes made argan oil primarily for culinary purposes using methods passed down through generations this artisanal oil was occasionally sold on the roadside in recycled bottles for as little as three dollars per liter person prepared studied the argan tree for her phd in the late 1980s when the species was in dangerous decline after conducting scientific research to support the moisturising benefits of argan oil on hair and skin charuff planned to transform the environmental problem into an economic solution objectify sure enough the rapid rise in popularity of argan oil not only brought profit to the region but also revitalized an entire ecosystem the newfound respect for the value of argan trees ensured stability for the species and in turn the surrounding wildlife and community reaped the benefits the argan tree known locally as the tree of life provides food shelter and protection from desertification and its deep roots prevent soil erosion allowing vegetated grass to grow for grazing livestock it's estimated that up to ninety percent of the economy in this region is owed to the argan tree yes the in just one generation the international market for argan oil has risen from just 200 liters to 4 000 metric tons in 2019 by 2025 the state's ambition is to sell over 10 000 metric tons to facilitate this increase the area for producing the oil has expanded more than 100 miles south of aswara and is due to expand north as with any costly ingredient argan oil products are often adulterated both cosmetic and culinary argan oil is often labeled as pure despite the undisclosed percentage of argania kernel oil being mixed with a host of chemical compounds and cheaper mechanically extracted oil has begun to appear on the market for as little as 22 a liter threatening the stability of the local cooperatives however some cosmetic giants such as l'oreal have committed to fair trade programs to help ensure the stability of their argan oil and the preservation of the forest biodiversity with the help of the cooperatives the traditional skills held by the amazigh women have created a booming industry but even though this income has granted some financial independence in a male-dominated society the women normally make less than 220 a month below morocco's recommended national minimum wage with the argan oil industry predicted to continue its growth the prosperity of the amazigh women remains to be seen you

Channel: Business Insider

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Keywords: Business Insider, Business News, argan oil, hair, oil, expensive, industry, women, morocco, morroccan, argan oil industry, so expensive, beauty

Id: nMQOSj2MkxU

Length: 8min 17sec (497 seconds)

Published: Sat Aug 29 2020