It’s hard when you live in a relatively stable country like the UK to really understand what is happening in Egypt right now.
The country is going through a pivotal moment in its history, and the ramifications affect everyone including the fresh produce trade.
I remember being in Buenos Aires in December 2001 when Argentina went through an astonishing five presidents in 10 days, and the feeling of a mass expression of public emotion makes it difficult to concentrate upon work or anything else.
The trade of fast-moving perishable goods inevitably becomes severely hampered in such times and producers are having to work extra hard in an effort to meet their supply obligations.
Contacts in Egypt report everything from internet blackouts to lorry drivers too afraid to deliver and business owners having to be extra-vigilant to the threat of crime.
Clearly the political will of the people has to be heard, but everyone in the fresh produce industry in the country will also hope that its hard-earned reputation as a reliable supplier of high quality fruit, vegetables and flowers is not damaged in any way.
Inevitably, however sympathetic customers are to Egypt’s plight, they have a duty to ensure they have the products to meet their needs and may consider alternative sources if Egypt’s situation means it cannot meet supply.
Hopefully any disruption to the trade will be very short term. Our thoughts are with those trying to protect both their rights and their businesses.
