Egyptian citrus growers will continue their export campaign with the Valencia orange programs, amidst climate change that is troubling for the rest of the world but is favorable for Egyptian citrus.
"Climate change has affected everyone and every crop, but its impact on citrus in Egypt has been favorable. Not only the quality and yield have increased, but also the length of the season has increased and will last until August," said the Mahmoud Esawy of the grower and exporter Al Wessam.
The main drawback reported by Egyptian producers is the fact that the weather conditions have caused an abundance of small sizes to the detriment of large-sized fruits. Mahmoud comments: "In itself, this is not a disadvantage but rather a divine gift. Large sizes are popular in some markets, but others prefer smaller sizes, such as in India and Africa. The abundance of small and medium calibers will allow us to do more business with the markets that want them."
This configuration has favored the competitiveness of Egyptian producers, adds Mahmoud: "The competition continues to be in our favor with the Valencia programs, in terms of quality but also of price. Only the prices of large sizes have increased due to their scarcity, but for small and medium sizes, our prices remain stable despite global inflation. The geographical proximity of Egypt to all markets also allows us to have shorter delivery times and good quality after arrival."
Currently, the demand for Egyptian Valencia is boosted by the Ramadan period, said Mahmoud: "The demand for Valencia oranges increases during Ramadan in Muslim countries, since the consumption of orange juice increases sharply in this period. The heat wave in some African and Asian countries also favors the consumption of orange juice and the Valencia variety is suitable for this consumption mode."
In addition to the demand from Muslim countries during the Ramadan period (which happens this year from mid-March to mid April), there is also a great demand for Valencia from Russia, India, and African markets, according to Mahmoud. The producer concludes, "The demand from the Malaysian market is not as it should be, and we hope it will recover soon."
For more information:
Mahmoud Esawy
Al Wessam Company for Agri Crops
Mob/WhatsApp/WeChat: +201114061313
Email: mahmodesawy@alwessam-eg.com
www.alwessam-eg.com