The first sweet potato harvests have begun in Egypt, for a season that runs until the end of January and could extend into April or May if demand, especially from Europe, is strong.
More and more producers have entered the sweet potato sector, motivated by strong European demand in recent years. Among them is the El Kalawy Group, which added sweet potatoes to its export portfolio in 2023, according to Farida El-Kalawy, the company's sales manager. She explains: "We began exporting sweet potatoes in 2023, targeting the European market, with remarkable success. Since then, the El Kalawy Group has exported large volumes of sweet potatoes, which have been well-received thanks to their exceptional quality and compliance with international standards."
© Farida El Kalawy
El-Kalawy says this move makes sense given the spectacular increase in worldwide demand for sweet potatoes in recent years. She adds, "Consumers are increasingly turning to sweet potatoes for their nutritional value and versatility. Our decision was also driven by the excellent adaptability of sweet potatoes to Egypt's climate and soil, which allows us to produce high-quality crops that meet the standards of the destination market."
According to the exporter, Egyptian origin stands out from the competition thanks to decisive advantages. She explains: "While we recognize the strong competition from countries such as the United States, Spain, and South Africa, at El Kalawy Group, we believe that Egypt has a distinct edge. The Egyptian climate offers long seasons and optimal growing conditions, enabling us to achieve consistent quality and supply. Additionally, Egypt's strategic location allows for faster transport to European markets, ensuring fresher products and lower logistics costs compared to other origins."
© Farida El Kalawy
Above all, it is the argument of price competitiveness that gives Egyptian exporters their strength, according to the exporter. She concludes: "At the start of this season, prices fluctuated slightly compared to last year, mainly due to changes in market dynamics and increased production costs. However, we have maintained competitive prices this season thanks to the efficiency of our agricultural and export processes. We strive to offer consistent quality while adapting to changes in the global market."
For more information:
Farida El Kalawy
El Kalawy Group
Tel: +20 1015359531
Email: [email protected]
