Egyptian fruit producer Pico has announced a significant expansion of table grape and stonefruit production for 2015, while the company has begun shipments of newly added crops to EU markets.
Over the past 12 months, the Cairo-based company has focused on developing its existing grape plantations, focusing on increasing planted areas and adding new varieties.
Development of Pico's grape capacity will be bolstered by the addition of new varieties selected from Sun World and other programmes in order to offer the best basket of varieties for international markets, including white, red and black grapes for early, mid and late season opportunities.
At the same time, Pico has plans to increase the size of its peach and nectarine production, while new early red and mid-season dark-red, black and yellow plum varieties will also be added.
Pico’s expansion plans come during a period of significant growth for the firm, seeing the company develop its range beyond its signature strawberries and introducing new products such as pomegranates, avocados, lychees and mangoes.
Opportunities for 2015
Business development manager Heike Hagenguth said Pico would be looking to increase direct business with supermarkets and breeders in the year ahead, working closely with them to further develop in-demand varieties.
The company will also be aiming to identify new clients and markets for the anticipated greater volumes of stonefruit and grapes.
“We are interested in win-win business models with receivers, either through contract farming or cooperation on the technical level,” Hagenguth explained.
Over the past year, Pico has increased shipments to the Arabian Gulf and South East Asia and maintained business with Russia, although Hagenguth said the opportunity presented for Egyptian exporters by the Russian embargo has since been undermined by the falling value of the ruble.
“We were lucky not to put all our eggs in one basket and jump on this – at first glance – very attractive opportunity,” she explained.
By contrast, Hagenguth said South East Asian markets offered plenty of opportunities, although were very demanding in terms of price and product presentation. However, she emphasised that population growth, increasing incomes and the positive impact of tourism were all making the region an attractive prospect.
“We see continuous growth and perceive Asia as the new Europe, and obviously supermarkets believe the same when you look at the number of grocery retail chains opening in these markets,” Hagenguth added.
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