The Egyptian carrot season began in December and has so far been marked by a slow but steady pace of exports. However, at this stage of the season, Egyptian exporters are seeing that "demand for Egyptian carrots is finally picking up." So says Mohamed Maatouk, CEO of R M Fresh.
The Egyptian exporter added: "We expect very strong demand for carrots due to the difficulties encountered in Europe, resulting from climate change and quality issues encountered in important European carrot origins, such as the Netherlands, as well as high prices for European carrots".
"European buyers are falling back on Egypt, which is normal. Egypt has been ranked as one of the main carrot resources for Europe in recent years, and Europe has tended to rely on Egyptian carrot supplies for their high quality and very competitive prices," Maatouk adds.
"At the Fruit Logistica exhibition in Berlin earlier this month, we concluded a significant number of contracts and orders for carrots for supermarkets, wholesalers, and industrialists. This proves that we have a very competitive capacity to meet market requirements in terms of high volumes and superior quality, which has been consistently demonstrated season after season over the past few years".
According to Maatouk, the carrot industry, which is intensive in logistics infrastructure and cooling facilities, is benefiting from a more stable environment in Egypt. He explains: "This year, we are benefiting from the stability of the Egyptian economy. We are moving towards an extension of the export campaign thanks to recent investments in cold stores and machinery. This enables us to honor fixed-price contracts for large volumes and numerous customers, and makes Egypt a reliable source guaranteeing continuous supply throughout the season."
"At RM Fresh too, we have acquired a new automatic sorting line with a hydrocooler and polisher, with a capacity of 10 tons per hour. This will enable us to continue exporting until September provided demand is there," Maatouk continues
As for prices, the exporter points out that they are likely to rise in line with the pick-up in demand. Maatouk concludes, "Customers with early regular contracts are immune to price fluctuations and will enjoy very competitive fixed prices throughout the season."
For more information:
Mohamed Maatouk
RM Fresh
Tel: +201221228020
Email: Mohamed.maatouk@rm-fresh.com
www.rm-fresh.com