The Egyptian grape season is drawing to a close, and it went rather well for Egyptian exporters. Mustafa Ali, Commercial Director of Rula Farms, part of the Wadi Group, comments on the situation, and addresses the Egyptian performance on the Asian markets.
Mustafa stated, "The majority of Egyptian packinghouses have exhausted their grape volumes. Only small quantities of Crimson are still being exported. The season has gone well in general, but Egyptian exporters have faced significant challenges this year. The soaring prices of packaging materials, due to global inflation, made production costs ridiculously too high for us and even prompted some growers to convert their acreage to other crops. We were also faced with a shortage of certain varieties, especially white ones, such as Prime, Superior, and others. Egyptian exporters found it difficult to source quality batches of these varieties".
Egyptian exporters have managed to maintain their presence in their traditional Asian markets, assured the exporter: "Several Asian countries have a clear preference for Egyptian grapes, and like to import their grapes from Egypt. This is the case in Malaysia and Singapore. That said, Egyptian growers still have to make efforts and adapt to the needs of these markets, as they are interested in new varieties such as Sweet Globe, Cotton Candy, and Autumn Crisp, which have a high brix level. More and more Egyptian growers are therefore investing in these new varieties, alongside traditional varieties grown in Egypt."
Egyptian exporters face fierce competition from China in Asian markets, adds Mustafa: "Chinese grapes are cheaper than Egyptian ones, and China is targeting our Asian markets. We recently lost the Indian market, which started importing red grapes from China instead of Egypt."
"We're going to step up our campaign on our Asian markets," assures Mustafa, "and we'll be present at Asia Fruit Logistica, from September 6 to 8 in Hong Kong. We'll be there to reinforce our position in our historic markets in Asia, by learning from our customers and adapting to their needs. The exhibition is also an excellent opportunity to prepare for the next season and increase business opportunities in Asia. We invite all companies interested in grapes, as well as citrus fruits, pomegranates, sweet potatoes, and dates, to visit our stand 5N01 in hall 5.
For more information:
Mustafa Ali
Rula Farms / Wadi Group
Tel: +20107350313
Email: mustafa.ali@wadigroup.com.eg