The growing phase of potatoes in Egypt for the 2025 season has begun. Yassen Abdelhay, export advisor for Arafa for Export and Agriculture Development, says, "this year we expect a successful season with promising new export markets in Asia and Africa."
Abdelhay continues, "Our planting season typically kicks off in September, spanning both summer and winter crops until January. The harvest and export runs from January through June, with exports continuing until November for some destinations. Grown varieties are mainly Spunta and Cara for table potatoes, Lady Rosetta, Hermes and Carosu for chip potatoes, and Diamant and Agria for French Fries."
Abdelhay announces a forecast volume of 200,000 tons to be grown by Arafa this year. He adds: "We will maintain our position as a leading grower of processing potatoes for chips and French fries with high solidity and low sugar, as well as high-quality table potatoes. Arafa plays a vital role as one of the key potato growers in Egypt. We're also a main supplier to PepsiCo in Egypt and globally."
In addition to the volumes directly grown on its own farms, the company continues its participation in the She Feeds the World program. Abdelhay explains, "With over 20 years' experience in the potato industry, we support small farmers by storing and securing seeds, offering technical advice, and collecting crops for sorting and supply to PepsiCo."
The exporter describes the She Feeds the World program: "It's a program held by PepsiCo and the PepsiCo Foundation in partnership with Care, a global nonprofit organization fighting poverty. The program started in 2018 to meet the nutritional needs of a growing global population and tackle gender inequality in the agriculture sector. With a budget of $18.2 million, She Feeds the World aims to improve the food security and nutrition of poor rural households, with a strong emphasis on women small-scale growers. The program works directly with women to build their skills and confidence in sustainable agriculture practices, market engagement, gender equality, and food and nutrition security."
Abdelhay concludes, "In Egypt, She Feeds the World program supports more than 1,000 potato growers to improve production quality, increase access to inputs, and negotiate better prices. We are proud to participate in this project for the fifth year, which aligns with our standards and mission, focusing on social responsibility by empowering women in the market and supporting gender equality."
For more information:
Yassen Abdelhay
Arafa for Export and Agriculture Development
Tel/WhatsApp: +201007244471
Email: [email protected]
www.linkedin.com/in/yassen-farouk
www.arafatrade.com