With the end of Ramadan, Egyptian citrus exporters are reporting a much-needed boost in demand in a complicated season. So says Muhammad Shaker, Marketing Director of grower and exporter Almansi.
"Sales just before the month of Ramadan, and during it, have been clearly boosted. Consumption of many fresh produce increases during this month, and citrus is one of them. Unsurprisingly, our Ramadan-related demand came from Arab countries such as Saudi Arabia and Jordan, but also from European countries," says Shaker.
However, the usual Asian demand linked to Ramadan was lacking this season, due to the Red Sea crisis which disrupted shipping lines. This includes lack of orders from India, Bangladesh, Malaysia and Indonesia. Shaker says, "We still managed to export to East Asia but in smaller quantities than last year."
Faced with this situation, exporters are trying to approach new markets, with more or less success. Shaker says, "We are trying to export more to accessible countries, such as the CIS countries and Azerbaijan in particular, as well as expanding our markets in Africa."
The demand generated by Ramadan is welcomed as a breath of fresh air for Egyptian exporters, who this year found themselves confined to the Gulf markets, Russia, and Europe, creating a surplus of supply and a drop in prices.
In addition to the supply chain disruption caused by regional tensions, Egypt is experiencing a domestic currency crisis resulting in lower margins in the Egyptian pound despite stable dollar prices. Shaker says, "Price increases are vital this season, especially given the rising cost of transport and the difference in the exchange rate."
For more information
Muhammad Shaker
Almansi
Tel : +20 102 562 2070
info@almansifruit.com
www.almansifresh.com