Egypt: Major production expansion for key fruit exports
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 an exciting period of growth for the firm, which has seen the company develop its range beyond its signature strawberries, introducing new products into its fruit basket, including 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 stone fruits and grapes.
“We are interested in win-win business models with receivers, either through contract farming or cooperation on the technical level,” Hagenguth explained.
At the upcoming Fruit Logistica 2015 trade exhibition, which takes place in Berlin, Germany from 4-6 February, PICO will also be focusing on delivering the message that Egypt is a reliable and safe partner to work with, having recovered from the effects of political unrest.
“In an increasingly stable and secure environment, PICO has repeatedly proven to be able to deliver consistent quality and quantities of programmed crops and varieties, meeting the highest UK and EU client specifications,” said Hagenguth.
New markets
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.
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.
For more information:
Heike Hagenguth
PICO
Tel: +20 114 114 1144
h.hagenguth@picoagriculture.com