Egypt is broadening its footprint in the Italian garlic sector with aspirations to rank among the top three exporters. As reported by EastFruit, Egypt's garlic exports to Italy saw growth in 2024, culminating in 1.66 thousand tons valued at over $3 million. This represents an 84% increase from the previous year and is 2.5 times the volume exported in 2022. This is the highest export figure since 2003 when exports hit 3.5 thousand tons.
Historically, Egyptian garlic exports to Italy spanned from March to July, with peaks in March and April. However, in the previous year, exports continued until November. A similar trend occurred in 2024, with the season commencing in February and concluding in October, peaking in March, May, and July. Shipments to Italy constitute about 8% of Egypt's garlic exports, trailing behind Taiwan, Poland, and Russia.
Spain and the Netherlands dominate the Italian garlic market, contributing over 60% and 10% of imports, respectively. Egypt, along with Slovenia, Greece, France, and since 2023, Argentina, vie for the remaining market share. Egypt has been bolstering its position over the past two years. In 2022, Egypt's share of Italy's garlic imports was below 3%, increasing to 3.7% in 2023, and surpassing 6% in the first eleven months of 2024. Egypt is likely to enter the top three garlic exporters to Italy by the year's end, overtaking Slovenia and Argentina.
Source: East Fruit