Season of high demand for Egyptian fresh strawberries

The Egyptian fresh strawberry season came to an end in early March, clearing the ground for the frozen strawberry campaign. According to Khaled Albana, CEO of Legacy Farm for Strawberry Production and Export, the campaign was marked by strong demand, but prices were insufficient to offset rising costs.

Albana says: "The Egyptian fresh produce season typically runs until early March, with peak shipments between November and Christmas, thanks to strong demand from European and Arab markets. In early March, increased competition on the European market puts downward pressure on prices and reduces export opportunities, leading to a sharp drop in fresh produce shipments. By contrast, markets in the Gulf, Asia and Africa continue to import Egyptian strawberries, albeit at a slower pace."

"At the same time, a large proportion of production is destined for processing and freezing to meet demand from the food and beverage industry. Our harvests continue until May, ensuring a steady supply for the domestic market and international buyers whose demand for frozen strawberries is constant," he adds.

As every year, the 2024-2025 season was in full swing from November until January. Albana says: "Demand was exceptionally strong during the peak, stretching from November to Christmas period, with European, Arab and Asian markets showing strong buying activity, boosted by the superior quality of Egyptian strawberries and stable supply chains. We succeeded in signing long-term export contracts this season, particularly in Europe and the UK, enabling us to guarantee regular shipments until March. After Christmas, demand on European markets began to decline. The contracts we secured enabled us to continue shipping until the end of the first quarter."

"While demand weakened in Europe, our markets in the Gulf, Asia and Africa maintained stable demand, allowing exporters to redirect their shipments," Albana continues.

At the start of the season, Egyptian exporters were desperate for price increases. The season began with prices double those of the previous season, before rapidly collapsing. Albana reflects on the price movement: "Prices have risen relatively this season compared to last one. However, this increase was not enough to compensate for the sharp rise in production costs, logistical difficulties and soaring shipping costs, which had an impact on exporters' profit margins. During the peak period, prices reached their highest levels, and began to fall from January."

"While prices fluctuated in Europe, steady demand in the Gulf, Asian and African markets helped stabilize prices in these regions," Albana concludes.

For more information:
Khaled Albana
Legacy Farm for Strawberry Production and Export
Tel: +20 10 63973279
Email: kalbana20@gmail.com