The export season for fresh Egyptian strawberries has begun. As expected, prices have risen and even doubled compared to the start of the previous season. Elsayed Elgohary, owner of Marvel Farm, explains the reasons.
"We started exporting to European countries last week, on November 15. Exports to Europe will continue until January 15, and to Arab countries until March 1st. The best quality is currently available in the varieties sweet sensation, brilliance, and felicity, and the rest of the varieties will follow successively," Elgohary announces.
"The season is starting with prices up to 100% higher than the previous campaign," Elgohary continues. "The reasons are many... actually, what marks the 2024/2025 season is the exaggerated increase in production costs, with several aggravating factors such as climate change, exchange rates, new European regulations in terms of phytopharmaceutical products, acreage reduction... we have no choice but to increase prices."
The acreage of fresh strawberries fell by 25% on the previous season due to problems in the supply of quality plants, according to Elgohary, and this area was used for growing varieties of frozen strawberries. Demand, on the other hand, shows no sign of slowing down, driving up the price of fresh strawberries.
"Also, high shipping prices and regular shipping costs have become an unbearable burden. Egyptian shipping companies can no longer stand up to competition from other companies in countries close to Europe. The low exchange rate of the Egyptian currency doesn't help, and the same applies to other costs of imported services and materials used in strawberry production and exporting," Elgohary continues.
The withdrawal of several active substances from plant protection products authorized by the European Union has also increased production costs, according to the grower. He explains that "this has affected us as growers in terms of dispersion and confusion, and has led to increased costs due to the use of expensive pesticides to comply and adapt to the new lists. This leads to limited availability of active ingredients, and therefore to their use several times during the same season. This leads to the acquisition of resistance to the active ingredients used, making the problem more difficult for growers. Climate change is making the cost even worse."
Elgohary reassures, "If we are forced to increase our production costs and our prices, it's to be able to continue to guarantee the best quality. This season's prices are justified by our top-quality strawberries, which meet customers' needs in terms of size, taste and food safety".
For more information:
Elsayed Elgohary
Marvel Farm
Tel: +201002496633
Email: [email protected]