The Lebanese table grape campaign is about to begin. Moussa Zgheib, General Manager of Bamo Zgheib, has mixed feelings, between good sales prospects and logistical complications due to the war in the region.
"We have made great efforts in recent years to open up new markets and adapt to production and export standards. These efforts are bearing fruit and business prospects are good, but the situation in the region is very tense," explains Zgheib.
The grower indicates that he has suspended his expansion plans and has maintained the same acreage as last season: "This is due to circumstances that everyone knows. Some of our plantations are located directly in hot zones. We lost some crops to bombing, especially early red seedless varieties. Fortunately, there have been no human casualties, but we are living with the risk of the situation worsening."
The risk of escalation in the region also creates logistical complications, adds Zgheib: "Transport costs have risen considerably to markets in West Africa and Asia due to the crisis in the Red Sea. Shipping by air is also impossible, as transport costs have risen from 2 to 4 USD per kilo, not to mention frequent flight suspensions in Lebanon. Despite this, our customers in these markets have maintained a fair proportion of their orders."
On the other hand, the Lebanese table grape sector benefits from calm competition, according to Zgheib. He explains: "Our grapes are coming onto the market at an excellent time, with the end of the Egyptian campaign. Lebanon's early red seedless varieties will be available in a few days, followed by another harvest in 20 days, and the black varieties will arrive in 30 days."
The grower also announces a major commercial milestone achieved this season: "Our grapes will finally reach the European market. Several of our farms are now compliant with European market standards, particularly with regard to MRLs.We also have strong demand from European customers following our previous participation in trade fairs and meetings with importers."
"The next two weeks will be decisive, as we are now in the process of closing contracts. Will see whether customers will accept the price increases caused by the logistics factor," concludes Zgheib.
For more information
Moussa Zgheib
Bamo Zgheib
Tel: +9613757474
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
www.bamozgheib.com