Egyptian exporters are hoping for a "calm and normal" season for oranges, despite a number of challenges ahead. According to Mostafa Ali, CEO of Premium Sourcing, the main challenge for the coming season is the continued predominance of small and medium-sized oranges.
© Premium Sourcing
The exporter states, "Last season was tough. We are hoping for a calmer season, where the impact of the processing industry will be milder, even though we will face other challenges such as fierce competition from China and the predominance of small sizes again this year."
According to Ali, the upcoming season for Egyptian Navel oranges, which begins in two weeks, will have the following size distribution: "We are seeing a predominance of small and medium sizes, which account for half of production. Large sizes 36-42-48-56 account for nearly a third of production, and very small sizes 88-100 account for 15%."
"We expect tougher competition this year for Navel oranges. This variety is mainly exported to the Gulf countries, Eastern Europe, and the Far East. However, we are seeing an increase in volumes from China from season to season. Marketing will not be easy in Asia, especially for early Navels, which are less popular there than late Navels," Ali continues.
© Premium Sourcing
As for the Valencia orange crop, many growers forecast an overall decline in production this season, which Ali confirms. He adds: "The drop in production will be accompanied by the persistent problem of small fruit sizes. Sizes 48-56-64 will not exceed a quarter of production, while small and medium sizes 72-80-88 will account for up to two-thirds. Markets interested in large sizes will not be pleased, but there is nothing we can do about it. Nevertheless, we dare to hope for a moderate season compared to the previous one, which was very intense due to the effect of the processing industry."
According to Mostafa, logistics will be another difficult area: "Problems in the Red Sea persist to some extent, and we believe that the situation will only improve at the end of the orange season. We are therefore bracing for delays in our shipments and additional costs."
"All in all, we expect and hope for a calmer and more normal season, and above all, we hope for a campaign without surprises, either in-house or globally. I must say that we desperately need this, as we suffered a lot last season," Ali concludes.
For more information:
Mostafa Ali
Premium Sourcing
Tel: +20 10 07350313
Email: [email protected]
