Egyptian producers have good reason to be upbeat about the coming grape season, thanks to increased government support in the segment, an expected early start to the campaign and excellent forecasts in terms of volumes and quality.
“We are all looking forward to a good Egyptian grape season, which is expected to start much earlier than last year,' said Mahmoud El Shishiny of Magrabi Agriculture. 'Production is looking good so far, and everybody is getting ready for a strong start. As the largest exporter of Egyptian table grapes, we are aiming to export around 10,000 tonnes this year.'
According to Amira Abd-Elmaksoud of Elkady Company, Egypt has been moving toward becoming a major supplier of high-quality fresh grapes for over a decade, and now looks set to fulfil its promise.
'The Egyptian government has taken a proactive stance through economic reforms and privatisation aimed at boosting the country’s grape exports, with further expansion forecast in the form of an extended window of free trade,' she told Eurofruit.
In addition to the main commercial varieties, including Early Sweet, Sugra One, Flame, Crimson and Red Globe, Magrabi has invested significantly in the selection and testing of new varieties licensed by Cambridge, UK-based Special New Fruit Licensing (SNFL).
'These varieties have so far produced very positive results in terms of quality, taste and shelf life and will serve to extend the harvest season,' said El Shishiny. 'Producing in different geographical regions in Egypt is a great advantage.'
Magrabi's grape exports were traditionally limited to the UK and Europe, but the company has now expanded its reach, exporting to 38 countries worldwide.
'We are keeping an eye on the expansion of the Asian and African markets, and have done a good job in increasing volumes and adapting to the needs and standards of these promising markets,' said El Shishiny.
Elkady Company is equally conscious of the new opportunities for Egyptian grapes. 'Last season, we opened new markets for our grapes in Spain, Belgium and Lebanon, in addition to our existing markets in South Africa, Kenya, Russia, Malaysia and Singapore. Demand for Egyptian grapes is growing quickly all over the world, and there are forecasts for a better-than-ever crop this season.'
Although challenges remain for Egyptian grape exporters, including limitations in freight space and equipment, the short season, product sensitivity and the high cost of packaging and processing materials, such obstacles are doing nothing to dissuade the main players.
'We are investing more in packaging, in sourcing new virgin land, particularly for organic crops, and in continuing our extensive research to reduce chemical use,' said Abd-Elmaksoud. 'We are opting for more biochemical alternatives in terms of packaging and assigning more investment to research and innovation.'
'Right now,' said El Shishiny, 'we are all ready, steady and waiting for the 'Go' sign.'
