With acreage cut by almost half this season, many growers having preferred to plant onions, the supply of Egyptian garlic has fallen sharply.
Ralph Nakhal of Egyptian grower Tomna says: "Egyptian garlic is very expensive at the moment. Usually at this time of year, prices come down, but unfortunately this is not the case. Supply is low on the local market and the currency (EGP) is appreciating against the USD, which increases the prices offered to our customers."
Egypt is currently at the start of the garlic season, exporting fresh garlic to Europe in particular. According to Nakhal, the country is competing at this stage of the season with Argentina, China and Spain, which still has old harvests.
Although the Red Sea crisis is unlikely to affect the Egyptian garlic season to the same extent as that of citrus, it will have an effect. Ralph explains: "Until now, we haven't started the dry season for garlic, which is usually destined for the Far East, particularly Taiwan and Australia. We start shipping around the first week of May. We hope that the crisis will be over by then, otherwise the quantities shipped to these countries will certainly be smaller."
Ralph concludes: "However, given the scarcity of supply and strong demand, it's unlikely to derail the campaign. Our alternative markets in the Middle East and the West will maintain solid demand."
For more information:
Ralph Nakhal
Tomna for Agricultural Investment
Tel: +20 100 2717 275
Email: ralph@tomna.farm
www.tomna.farm