The Egyptian sweet potato season is kicking off with increased supply, reflecting the crop's success in the past few consecutive seasons," says Ayman El Sayed, Sales and Export Manager at Fresh Zone.
El Sayed: "Compared to last season, the market situation is more advantageous for Egypt. We have planted more sweet potatoes this year, and I estimate that nationwide volumes have increased by 25-30%. This increase comes after a good survey of other origins such as Spain, which continues to face a water problem. This is an opportunity for Egypt in the sweet potato sector, as in other sectors such as citrus. This season we are therefore offering more volumes to the EU market, the main export market for Egyptian sweet potatoes".
"Besides taking advantage of the market gap, we are above all banking on the quality advantage offered by Egyptian nature," continues El Sayed. Egyptian soil is well-known to be very favourable to sweet potatoes. Water and climate complete the quality equation. In terms of sizes, we're starting the season with medium sizes, while in the coming weeks, we'll be ready with all grades of size".
Despite the significant increase in volumes, El Sayed predicts a rise in prices, which he explains by global inflation: "We have increased quantities to meet local and overseas demand, but we are also faced with inflation and rising production costs. Final prices will be at least 40% higher than last season, but this increase will be mitigated by the devaluation of the Egyptian pound against foreign currencies."
The exporter concludes: "Our main challenge at the moment is logistical, due to what is happening in the Bab El Mandab Strait (Red Sea). It continues to directly affect freight costs as well as the availability of containers, as well as shipping schedules and transit times and costs."
For more information:
Ayman El Sayed
Fresh Zone
Tel/Whatsapp/Telegram/Wechat: +201120038949 / +201026928587
Email: [email protected]
www.egyfreshzone.com