Egyptian citrus producers continue to supply the international market with late varieties, standing out by increasing volumes and lowering prices, while other origins are going in the opposite direction.
Amgad Nessem, Export Manager at Elteriak Farms, said: "We currently have calendars of Valencia oranges available until the end of May to close a good season. This year's supply for Valencia exceeds last year's volumes by an estimated 30-40%."
As for demand, Nessem says, "We have huge demand, especially from Western and Eastern Europe, which have finally accepted the medium and small sizes that marked the Egyptian production this season. However, we are seeing less demand than expected from the Far East. We'll see how this develops in the coming weeks."
While the competition is forced to increase prices to support declining volumes and rising production costs, the next Egyptian calendars of Valencia will be at lower prices than last season, says Nessem. "We continue to take advantage of the devaluation of the Egyptian pound against foreign currencies. On average, the prices are 20% lower than last year."
The Egyptian pound has lost half its value against the US dollar in just one year, which has increased producers' costs but also significantly improved their competitiveness.
According to Nessem, Elteriak Farms will continue to increase its volumes next season: "We currently operate an area of 15,000 Feddans (6300 ha), up from 5,000 Feddans (2100 ha) a few years ago, and we will add another 5,000 Feddans area for the next season, all in the most fertile lands of Upper Egypt. We are also diversifying our production and growing avocados, mangoes, and medjool dates, in addition to citrus."
For more information:
Amgad Nessem
Elteriak Farms
Tel: +201 207 976 920
Email: amgad.nessem@elteriakfarms.com
www.elteriakfarms.com