Polish apple exports towards the Egyptian market seem to be picking up again, says Mohamed Marawan, owner of Polish apple exporter Sarafruit: "The Polish apple season is going well, exports are increasing. However, it is still quite difficult to find the good quality apples in the orchards. On top of that, finding the right sizes is also a challenge this year. On a positive note, the trade with Egypt is developing towards a better situation, as the currency has stabilized and has given us more potential in terms of developing our exports to this market again."
Marawan states that he expects the Egyptian market to remain a viable option for the coming years as well, as the solutions to Egypt's currency issues seem to be resolved. "Naturally, the long lasting issues when it comes to the trade of Polish apples to the Egyptian market has left its mark. However, I feel confident in saying there won't be as many issues, both in the current season as in the next one, as Egypt has really started to fix their economic problems, as well as the issues we experienced with the currency."
However, for the current season, the Polish apples aren't as dominant in the market, as the Egyptians have opted for other, cheaper alternatives, Marawan explains: "Currently, the prices for apples are high. Some clients have accepted this new reality, while others have declined to take on any offers at this price. They have other options, from countries that produce apples and are closer to Egypt, logistically. Therefore, Poland is not the winner in terms of exports to Egypt. The Egyptians import apples from Syria and Lebanon as well, and those prices are really competitive compared to the Polish apples. That being said, I hope that we'll be on top of the exports, and that Polish apples will be dominant in the Egyptian market."
Overall, Marawan feel he'll be able to close out the season at an easy pace, with sourcing apples being the most time-consuming task. "I expect the season to be a normal and easy season as far as orders go. The largest challenge will remain finding the right quality apples for export. As a result, we only send a few containers each week, this week is a very intensive one as logistical options are limited, with the Christmas time coming up."
Last week, Marawan visited Food Africa and had a great time, spotting lots of opportunities for Polish apple exporters: "I've just returned from Food Africa in Egypt, which was very well organized this year. The event seemed very professional and more Egyptian companies showcased themselves as interesting for cooperation. For apple exporters this proved time well spent, as Egypt is a very important country, that has imported Polish apples for many years."
For more information:
Mohamed Marawan
Sarafruit
Tel: +48 537935155
Email: [email protected]
www.sarafruit.eu