Following the usual cyclicality of garlic acreage, and after a limited area last season, growers have this year doubled the area of garlic in Egypt according to Mohamed Shaaban, general manager of Garlico.
The grower says, "Last season was very good, with very high local and international demand. As a result, many growers have decided to grow garlic this season. At Garlico, we've doubled our acreage."
Doubling the acreage means a return to normal production since, last season, garlic acreage in Egypt was halved on the season before. Demand, on his part, was very high. Shaaban says, "Last season, we exported more garlic than ever to Europe, especially Spain. Demand was also strong from the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Taiwan. Prices were then high from the start of the season, and continued their climb until stocks ran out."
"Demand was so high that it was difficult to source good quality produce towards the end of the season. There was even a big demand for second-quality garlic from Taiwan and Brazil," Shaaban continues.
The season then came to an end around June, earlier than usual, with prices tripling compared to the start of the season. The Egyptian garlic price nevertheless remained cheaper than the competition.
The grower continues, "We expect the same trend next season. There is now a high and stable demand for garlic from our traditional markets. What's more, circumstantial demand linked to the garlic shortage has enabled us to open up new markets that have become stable destinations."
Shaaban concludes, "For our part, at Garlico, we continue to increase our acreage year on year. We have invested in a new sorting line, and have adopted only big clove varieties, up to 7cm, which we export under our Zain brand."
The next garlic campaign in Egypt is set to start in March 2025.
For more information:
Mohamed Shaaban
Garlico Egypt
Tel/Whatsapp: +20 111 309 5812
Email: [email protected]
www.garlico-eg.com