The growing season is going well for Egyptian strawberries, according to Menna Mohamed, Export Manager at Future Agrico. The exporter says, "The first harvests will begin on schedule from November 20, and the season will continue until the end of February."
Menna continues: "We've had a hot summer, but we're not worried because temperatures have risen during soil preparation, which is beneficial. Rising temperatures in the summer helped Egyptian strawberry growers, as they helped killing fungal diseases and root diseases (nematodes), which is part of integrated pest management. The use of tunnel cultivation and controlled environment farming also increases yields and improves quality."
Volumes are expected to be higher next season, Menna adds. "We'll see how the climatic situation develops. The increase in volumes will depend on temperatures over the coming period. Also, if there's rain in December, that will affect production."
Regarding business prospects for the coming season, Menna is optimistic: "Egyptian strawberries are increasingly in demand on regional and global markets, mainly due to their high quality and extended availability during the off-season for many European countries. Egypt has become one of the world's leading exporters of strawberries".
"The EU is the biggest market for Egyptian strawberries, with countries such as the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France being the main importers," Menna continues. "EU demand is driven by the high quality of Egyptian strawberries, particularly during the winter season, when European domestic production is lower. Egypt is also a major supplier to Europe in the frozen strawberry market. Demand for frozen strawberries is particularly strong in the food processing industries (jams, desserts, and bakery products)."
Menna Mohamed, export manager of Future Agrico
"Russia has become a key market for Egyptian strawberries, particularly after European sanctions against Russia restricted agricultural imports from the EU. In Asia, demand is growing in countries such as India, Malaysia, and China, although the volume is lower than in European markets. These emerging markets are consuming more and more imported fruit due to rising incomes and the expansion of their middle classes."
"Gulf Cooperation Council countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait have a strong demand for fresh strawberries from Egypt due to proximity, availability of fresh supply, and Egypt's competitive prices," Menna concludes.
For more information:
Menna Mohamed
Future Agrico
Tel: +201092199998
Email: [email protected]