The 2024/2025 Egyptian spring onion season got off to a late start, due to a hotter summer. However, according to Tomna's Ralph Nakhal, growers were able to recover satisfying levels of volume, although prices had to be revised upwards.
The grower says, "It's been a complicated summer. Successive heat waves in August affected almost all farms and up to 80% of early production. Growers had to replant again, which delayed the launching of the season."
"The season finally started a few weeks ago, and is expected to stretch until the end of May or early June. We have been able to recover and volumes will continue to increase as the season progresses." Nakhal adds.
Losses due to heatwaves and replanting have forced growers to revise their prices upwards, according to Nakhal. "The season started with prices 50% higher than at the start of the previous season."
As far as the markets are concerned, the increase in prices has had no impact on demand. Nakhal concludes: "Our biggest markets for spring onions are in Europe, especially the Netherlands, Germany, eastern Europe and the UK. Egyptian origin remains competitive despite everything."
Seasonality is the main advantage of Egyptian spring onions in Europe. In early November 2023, exactly one year ago, "Early Egyptian spring onions achieved great success this season", said one Dutch importer. He added that while importers are turning to German spring onions in the summer, Egyptian production remains a safe bet in the winter.
The delay in launching the Egyptian campaign could be a blessing in disguise. According to a previous statement from one German importer, which Nakhal agrees with, "The Egyptian export season usually doesn't really get going until after the German spring onion harvest". The same source adds that Egypt, in competition with Morocco and Italy, has been able to increase its market share considerably in recent years.
For more information:
Ralph Nakhal
Tomna for Agricultural Investment
Tel: +20 100 2717 275
Email: [email protected]
www.tomna.farm