The Egyptian spring onion season has already started, but the produce that is destined for export will be harvested in a few weeks from now. According to one exporter, demand is strong at the moment, as the Germans have finished up their season. Rise in fuel and labor costs could lead to higher prices as the season goes on.
Ibrahim Shehab, Owner for Egypt Overseason, states that the German season for spring onions will end soon, which provides an opportunity for Egyptian produce: “In Egypt, we plant and produce the spring onion all year round. However for spring onions that is destined to be used for export, we start from week 44, which is about the first week of November. This produce is grown specifically for export to Europe and Arabian countries. At the moment, demand in Europe is rather high, since the German will end around the first week of November, leaving a gap for Egyptian spring onions to fill. Our most important markets this season will be the United Kingdom, Spain, the Netherlands, France and other European countries.”
There have been some challenges this season, Shehab emphasizes. Both in weather as well as costs, he explains. “In Egypt, the extremes in the weather or rapid changes in temperature have a severe impact on production, and also lower temperatures affect the production a lot, but the most influential factor is the rise in fuel prices and the cost of labor. This will impact the price of the final product later in the season. At the moment prices are similar to previous seasons.”
Logistical challenges are no issue for Egypt Overseas, says Shehab. The company has had a lot of experience dealing with shipping providers and have their secrets to make sure the produce arrives in the best state that it can: “In terms of logistics, we have accumulated a lot of experience with both sea and air freight companies. On top of that, we own a Dutch company to deliver the produce to the customer's door. The biggest challenge for shipping is to deliver the product by sea as quickly as possible, so that the spring onions arrive in a fresh state. We have our secrets in it to accomplish this, however we do want a schedule for delivery from our customers to do our job the best we possibly can.”
“Our container contains 20 pallets, or 4600 cartons of spring onions. Each carton has 14 ties, and each tie weighs 150 grams. I’m always looking for a reputable company, group of companies, supermarket or purchasing managers who can cover all the consumption of Germany I can do it alone. Don’t hesitate to contact me!” Shehab concludes.
For more information:
Ibrahim Shehab
Egypt Overseas
Tel/Whatsapp: +2010058458
Tel/Whatsapp: +316 49157974
Email: [email protected]
www.egyptoverseas.com
