The start of the Egyptian table grape season is marked by a considerable increase in demand, against a drop in volumes, which is enabling growers and exporters to obtain good prices, says Mina Eissa, CEO of Rejoice Pro. However, the exporter also shares his concerns about the rest of the season.
According to Mina, "Many growers are affected by fertility issues this season due to severe and uncertain weather changes that have resulted in lower production than last year. Egypt will still be offering late varieties of grapes (white, red, and black) in June, July, and August. Certain varieties such as Crimson Red Seedless and Arras tend to arrive later, with a fresher, crisper quality."
"However, despite the drop in volumes, the quality of the product, including taste and Brix level, seems to be quite good this season, which gives Egyptian grapes an edge over other grapes from different origins, such as those from India," he adds.
The Red Sea crisis is adding to exporters' concerns, as Mina explains: "Exporters are reluctant to ship grapes to the Far East because of the extra transit times, which can be as long as 30 or 40 days for some destinations".
On the other hand, the Red Sea crisis is also affecting India, one of Egypt's main competitors in the European table grape market. "This is already the case, and India is shipping far fewer volumes to Europe. However, India mainly exports the white Thompson variety and does not export many red grapes. So the effect will depend on the varieties. In any case, we have every interest in seeing the Red Sea crisis come to an end so that the grape market can recover and be better allocated," explains Mina.
At the start of the season, Egyptian grape prices are currently higher than at the start of the previous season. The exporter shares, 'The EU market seems to be responding very well with prices ranging from 11 to 13 Euros CNF per 5kg carton for White Seedless, and 12 to 14 Euros for 5 kg carton of Red Seedless. Farm gate prices, before sorting and packing, have risen from an average of 30 to 40 EGP/kg last year to 60 to 70 EGP this year. Prices have also risen in the local market. Overall, many European importers have increased their programs by 20-30% at the start of the season, and are already starting to order late varieties for June and July".
"The outcome of the season will depend on what happens next when our late production arrives on the market. We're not sure that the European market will absorb all of it, because Spain is due to start in June and grapes also coming soon from Chile. Competition in this area still seems vague from our perspective as Egyptian exporters", concludes Mina.
For more information:
Mina Eissa
Rejoice Pro
Tel: +20 128 844 4469
Email: [email protected]
www.rejoicepro.com