The Egyptian garlic season is ending earlier than usual, with volumes sold out. Ehabi Sami, CEO of Noureen Food, reports a "particularly challenging season".
The exporter says: "We have had great difficulty in obtaining supplies of garlic. The reason for this is that small-scale farmers have preferred to grow onions rather than garlic this season, due to the good price of onions on the local market last year. It's important to remember that the industry relies heavily on volumes supplied by small-scale farmers, because what we grow is never enough."
The pressure on Egyptian garlic was strong from the very start of the season, says Ehab, "the season started with very strong demand and stocks quickly dried up. Argentina, which is ahead of us on the calendar, had a shorter season than usual, so the market was waiting for Egyptian garlic."
"The global shortage of garlic and very short seasons will become the norm, and we'll see this situation over the next few years in Egypt, Argentina, and Spain too," adds the exporter.
The global shortage has led to a diversification of the Egyptian garlic market, adds Ehab: "Usually, 60-70% of our exports go to Taiwan. But this year, demand is quite diverse, with a big increase in exports to Europe and Brazil."
Despite strong demand, Egyptian exporters have remained competitive, concludes Ehab: "Our prices have been balanced; cheaper than Spanish garlic and a little more expensive than Chinese garlic."
For more information:
Ehab Sami
Noureen food
Tel: +201110003911
Email: [email protected]
www.noureenfood.com