The marketing season for Egyptian early potatoes is now in the starting blocks. "60 percent of the so-called winter crop has already been harvested and these quantities are now gradually being loaded via the port of Ravenna," reports David Guillebeau (r), CEO of Prodivec Swiss AG and specialized Egyptian importer. "Despite the lack of seeds last fall, the volume forecasts indicate an average harvest, similar to last year's volume. Prices are expected to remain at a similarly high level to the past two years, which in turn is due to the sharp rise in costs along the value chain."
Prodivec Swiss AG has been the marketing partner of the Egyptian producer Agrofood for six years now. The collaboration has been continuously strengthened. In 2025, Prodivec Swiss AG will be the exclusive partner for Fairtrade goods. In addition to early potatoes, the company is also dedicated to the procurement and marketing of sweet potatoes, onions, and fresh garlic of Egyptian origin. Guillebeau: "Our local partner has several production sites, not only on the Desert Roads between Alexandria and Cairo but also in other parts of the country south of the Nile and in Al Farafa, 500 km southwest of Cairo. In general, we have noticed that a great deal has been invested in new farms and certifications in recent years, which is why the tonnage of potatoes has grown significantly. We at Prodivec want to make our contribution to social conditions at the source and are offering Fairtrade-certified new potatoes for the first time this year."
Insight into the cultivation of early potatoes in Egypt: Prodivec Swiss AG mainly supplies packaging companies throughout Europe, which in turn supply the food retail industry. The packaging sizes at the point of sale range from 750g trays (baby potatoes) to large containers.
High demand for organic potatoes expected
In addition to conventional and Fairtrade early potatoes, Prodivec Swiss AG also markets organic potatoes of Egyptian origin. "About 10 percent of our total import volume is organic, and the trend is rising," says Guillebeau. He sees good sales opportunities for organic goods this year in particular. "In many of Europe's growing countries, organic yields have been rather disappointing, which is why current availability is declining sharply. Accordingly, we expect high demand for Egyptian organic potatoes." In general, he says, the market situation varies greatly from one market to the next: "In Scandinavia, the quantities of domestic storage potatoes are rather low, while in Switzerland, a fairly good potato harvest has been brought in."
Switzerland and Germany remain the company's core markets. With the latest addition of Fairtrade potatoes to the range, the company is now looking to address other European markets. Guillebeau points out the high importance of Egyptian early potatoes in the European food retail sector. "Although Egyptian potatoes represent a niche in the global potato business, they continue to grow. In particular, Egypt has steadily gained market share in the period from March to April over the years. We trade in Egyptian goods until mid-May and then switch to firm-skinned goods from Spain and Portugal. Summer crops from Egypt are then offered as a supplement."
© Prodivec Swiss AGThe Prodivec team inspects the early potatoes on site.
Further growth potential
All in all, the management of the Swiss company is looking confidently to the future. The Egyptian potato industry is proving to be quite innovative, they observe. "In addition to the proven Annabelle, the variety portfolio has been significantly expanded over the years. As potato consumption in Egypt increases and the local market grows accordingly, the state is promoting the development of new farms. In terms of exports, I see the potential for growth not so much in terms of quantity, but rather in terms of quality improvement, whether it be with new varieties or certifications such as organic and Fairtrade. In this respect, I am convinced that we are already on the right track," he concludes.
Photo credit: Prodivec Swiss AG 
For more information:
David Guillebeau
Prodivec Swiss AG
Bahnhofstr. 37
3427 Utzenstorf
Utzenstorf, Switzerland
Tel: +41 32 520 01 80
Fax: +41 32 520 01 89
info@prodivec.com
www.prodivec.ch
https://agrofood.me/