Since mid-November, the export of Egyptian fresh strawberries has officially begun. One exporter expects a solid season, as both demand and production are at a good level. Prices will increase slightly, as transport costs are higher this year, especially air freight.
According to Amr Kadah, CEO for Egyptian fresh produce exporter Fruit Kingdom, the strawberry season is now in full swing and will last for quite a while: “We started the Egyptian strawberry harvest season in early November, but the export began two weeks later, as the required of the quality for the fruits had been reached at that point. Cultivation starts in August and start harvesting the strawberries two months later. Harvesting goes on for more than seven months.”
Prices for the Egyptian strawberries will be a bit higher this year, but this is due to the increase of logistical costs, Kadah explains. “The weather was very suitable for strawberry cultivation and did not have an effect on the produce. The Egyptian strawberry is characterized by its wonderful taste, high quality and average price, but the shipping prices are currently too high, especially air freight, which that makes the export prices increase.”
Kadah states that the Egyptian strawberries have found their way to markets in over 50 countries: “You can eat the Egyptian strawberries in most European countries, Arab Gulf countries, Russia and Asia. The strawberries are exported to more than 50 countries all over the world and we always meets the high demand every year. The top markets for our strawberries are Belgium, Germany, UK, Russia, Netherlands, France, Ireland, the UAE, Oman and Malaysia.”
Fruit Kingdom as a company expects to increase the export volumes of both fresh as well as frozen strawberries this year, as acreage has increased. “The total volume of the Egyptian strawberry production 2020 reached half a million tons. The cultivated area in Egypt this year is increased to more than 40 thousand acres of strawberry farms. So, we expect to increase the volume of exports of our fresh strawberries to more than 30 thousand tons this season. In addition, we also have a frozen strawberries export season, that begins in February of each year immediately after the fresh strawberry exports end. I expect the export volumes to exceed 200,000 tons this year, as Egypt ranks number one when it comes to exporting frozen strawberries.”
“With the high of demand for Egyptian strawberries in many countries, we expect a very good season this year. The product was developed until we reached the best existing varieties, such as Sweet Sensation, Fortuna and Festival varieties. These varieties are tasty, have a good aroma and brix levels that reach 9%.” Kadah concludes.
For more information:
Amr Kadah
Fruit Kingdom for Export
Tel: +20 100 928 8377
Email: [email protected]
www.linkedin.com/in/amr-kadah
www.facebook.com/Egyptian.Fruit