“For Russia there are basically two types of shipments; supermarket chains go for higher quality, while other traders and wholesalers focusing on moderate quality in shared vessel shipments with potatoes.”
The great focus, however, is still Saudi Arabia, as market conditions are very favourable. “Currently, with the yellow onions, our main clients are supermarkets, like Carrefour, but we are also focusing on suppliers in the wholesale market. Our first container for the current season has just departed and we’ll continue to make two shipments per week. Previous supplies to Carrefour were over 200 tonnes and this year we should reach at least 400-500 tonnes,” states Amr.
In terms of prices, Amr says that “compared to last year and being an essential commodity in every kitchen I expect prices to remain stable because of the expected increasing demand of Russia, Gulf area and some African countries that favour prices". Unlike yellow onions which have to compete with the local production and go mostly to Russia, I believe red onions to have good chances in Western Europe and Gulf area this year. In total, we expect to ship 5,000 tonnes to Europe while Saudi Arabia should receive over 1000 tonnes of our red onions.”
Another important point is the rise of organics, for which, according to Amr, there is growing interest from consumers for health reasons. “Our company ships organic red and yellow onions exclusively to the Western European market, mostly to the Netherlands, but also the UK, Germany, Austria and Scandinavia through our partner and sole representative in Europe Gourmet BV (Holland). I believe Egyptian organic onions will have great quality and very good chances in the coming few months.”
Amr Helmy
Export Manager
Pharaonic Bioherb
21, Swess St, Nasr City,
Cairo, Egypt
Tel: +2 02 238 944 12
Fax: +2 02 238 954 24
M.: +2 0100 519 40 31
email: info@pharoherb.com
website: www.pharoherb.com