After Egypt's record crop in 2024, there could be 30% fewer Egyptian oranges on the European market this year. That country's citrus season runs from late December to June, with oranges being the main product. In 2022, Egypt produced 3.4 million tons of oranges, more than Spain (2.8 million tons). Egypt is, thus, the largest orange producer in Africa and a major player in the global market, including Europe.
In 2022, Egypt exported 1.6 million tons of oranges, with the European Union as one of its top markets. The top ten destinations for Egyptian oranges are Russia, Saudi Arabia, the EU, Bangladesh, India, the UAE, the UK, China, Malaysia, and Oman. Egyptian and South African oranges dominate the European market, accounting for 90% of imports.
Last year, a surplus of Egyptian oranges was caused by a record harvest and the uncertain Red Sea situation, which hindered exports to Asia. That led to low European market prices and complaints from Spanish growers. This year's harvest should be smaller, which could increase prices and reduce exports to Europe.
The recent reduction in Egyptian government grants for exporters also contributes to declining European exports. These subsidies attracted too many unreliable players who focused more on making a buck than delivering quality products. These reduced subsidies could stabilize prices and bump up the focus on quality.
Damon Duivenvoorde is from Van der Lans International, a big Egyptian orange importer in the Netherlands. He stresses that the company only works with reliable suppliers. The focus is on quality products and maintaining long-term business relationships. Van der Lans imports mostly oranges from Egypt, with occasional mandarins, lemons, and grapefruit.
In late December, the importer got its first Egyptian oranges, including Navels. They should get mainly the larger Valencia oranges in the second half of the season, which sell well in the Netherlands and surrounding countries. Although supply will be smaller this year, Damon sees the market as positive.
The European market's stricter inspections, though, keep things difficult. The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) examines 20% of Egyptian orange containers, increasing importers' prices. Also, other markets, such as Asia, often offer better payment terms, which exporters prefer.
Despite decreased supplies to Europe, Damon doubts countries like Turkey or Morocco will take Egypt's place. Turkey is not a major Western European market player anyway. After the Egyptian season, Van der Lans switches to South African oranges, resuming importing Egyptian oranges in early January.
Van der Lans International B.V.
+31 35 6422622
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www.vanderlans.com