Egyptian producers and exporters are preparing for the upcoming launch of the 2025 sweet potato season, scheduled for mid-July. According to Mohamed Maatouk, CEO of RM Fresh, the campaign has all the ingredients for success, with consistent volume, high quality, and adequate sizes, as well as an expanding market.
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The exporter states, "Preparation for the season went very well. We are seeing crops of exceptional quality, with vibrant coloration, smooth skin, and optimal size, particularly for high-performance varieties such as Bellevue and Beauregard. Our team of agronomists has closely monitored crop health by tracking soil conditions and optimizing irrigation and nutrition programs, and I'm delighted to share that months of field preparation and advanced agricultural programs have resulted in a product that meets market standards. "
Production and export volumes are set to increase, in line with the upward trend seen in recent years, according to Maatouk. He states: "A recent report of the Egyptian Department of Agricultural Quarantine (Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation) shows that Egypt exported approximately 65,000 tons of sweet potatoes between January 2024 and June 10, 2024, compared to 53,000 tons during the same period last year, representing an increase of 22%. We expect further growth in 2025, given the expansion of markets and insufficient supply at the global level."
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Rapid growth in demand has made the sector attractive to Egyptian growers, resulting in overproduction and declining prices in the last two seasons. However, Maatouk hopes that this season will see a reversal of this trend. He argues, "Initial indicators show that the price at the start of the season will be slightly higher than last year due to supply shortages at the global level and rising production costs. We expect strong European demand, which will stabilize prices, especially for premium quality and suitable sizes. Some markets are showing greater price sensitivity mid-season, prompting the need for flexible commercial offerings. Prices are expected to see further increases in the final weeks of the season, in March, due to declining stock levels, especially for larger sizes that remain in high demand."
"We are seeing that buyers are becoming more selective, imposing stricter specifications for sizes, coloring, and packaging, which increases the value of high-quality crops despite the increase in volumes. It is also important to remember that the markets are in full expansion. Demand is constantly increasing in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, and France, and remains consistent in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. We are also seeing emerging interest from Asian and Eastern European markets," the exporter continues.
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"Egypt has gained a strong position in the sweet potato market thanks to consistent quality and reliable service. In addition to the unique flavor and color, we have made great strides in storage and shipping conditions, and are gaining the trust of customers season after season. We have the benefit of an advantageous geographical location and proven agricultural expertise. Furthermore, a major asset is the seasonality of the Egyptian supply, at the off-season of other origins such as the United States and Latam countries," he continues.
Maatouk concludes, "At RM Fresh, we are preparing for the 2025 season with great enthusiasm. We are fully equipped to meet growing demand through modern packing lines and flexible logistics designed to sustain exports during peak weeks."
© RM Fresh
For more information:
Mohamed Maatouk
RM Fresh
Tel: +201221228020
Email: [email protected]
www.rm-fresh.com
