Egypt has great export potential when it comes to supplying table grapes, thanks to its climate, geographic location and cheaper production costs.
So said Aly El Gamil of exporter Cairo 3A, speaking to Eurofruit’s Tom Joyce at the virtual Global Grape Congress on Wednesday (30 June).
Ideal growing conditions, coupled with relatively low production costs and a strategic geographical location make Egypt a grape-supplying country to watch, he said, especially as it starts to invest in new varieties demanded by global markets.
When it comes to Europe and the UK, Gamil added that Egypt enjoys a clear export window, benefitting from no overlap with other exporting countries, allowing it to push strong volumes there.
“The market needs Egyptian grapes even if we don’t have the best varieties, but we have big demand from Europe and especially the UK,” he said. “Egypt has always been particularly strong during grape season in UK. I think we will have stronger opportunities if we start developing new varieties that the supermarkets want. I think that would give us a stronger edge.”
Gamil conceded that Egypt is “a little bit behind” when it comes to growing and supplying newer varieties. “This is due to certain laws, but is changing gradually. We are looking for new varieties,” he said.
Egyptian grape suppliers are also experiencing growing demand from Asia and Africa, where markets are asking for more coloured grapes, Gamil noted.
“Our geographic location gives us a strong edge when exporting to Europe, Africa and Asia. We can manoeuvre easily to different parts of the world,” he said.
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