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Walnuts make up 24.55% of Egypt's imported nuts as economic challenges curb demand

Tree nut production in Egypt is limited due to its climate and thus heavily relies upon imports. The top varieties for tree nut exports to Egypt include walnuts, almonds, and pistachios. Tree nuts are a popular snack item in Egypt, and walnuts are used in many deserts, especially during the month of Ramadan. Although consumption peaked during COVID-19, Egyptian imports and consumption of walnuts have since declined. The United States is a large exporter of walnuts to Egypt, as many Egyptians value the quality that U.S. walnuts provide. Consumption is not expected to increase for the marketing year 2025/26, as consumers will continue to prioritize essential foods over non-compulsory items, like walnuts. Additionally, lower-cost, savory snacks, particularly puffed snacks and potato chips, represent the fastest-growing category in terms of retail sales volume.


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Production
According to recent statistics published by the Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture & Land Reclamation (MALR), the government does not keep data on commercial cultivation of walnuts in the country. According to experts in the Egyptian horticultural sector, there may be a handful of Egyptian walnut producers, but these trees are likely dispersed throughout the country (with no central hub of production in Egypt). Production is believed to be minimal, and primarily for personal use.

Walnut trees typically require between 400 to 15,00 chilling hours per year (during the winter), which means they need exposure to temperatures between 32°F (0°C) and 45°F (7.2°C) to break dormancy and properly flower (See Image 1). Such temperature requirements are difficult to achieve in Egypt given the country's climate, which therefore challenges walnut production. Accordingly, most walnuts used in Egypt are imported from foreign countries.


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Consumption
Walnuts are a popular nut in Egypt, especially during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, and other religious holidays. Walnuts represented 24.55 percent of the volume of imported nuts during the past five years (2019-2023). Most walnuts are consumed in traditional desserts, the most famous being "Kahk," a traditional sweet cookie stuffed with walnuts and dates (or sometimes both) and served during the last week of Ramadan and Eid El Fitr (a feast to celebrate the end of Ramadan). Walnuts are also used in preparing other homemade traditional confectionery such as Kunafa, Umm Ali, Baklava, Qatayef, and Basbousa – all widely consumed during the month of Ramadan.


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The Egyptian consumption of walnuts (and other nuts) spiked in 2021, amid the coronavirus pandemic, as a larger segment of the population was snacking on nuts due to their nutritional value. However, Egyptian walnut (and other nut) consumption levels returned to pre-pandemic levels in 2022 as nut consumption decreased due to their high price. Since 2022, Egypt has suffered from a myriad of economic challenges (chiefly, a severe shortage of foreign currency) which has challenged commodity supply chains.

To review the full report, click here.

For more information:
USDA
Tel: +1 (202) 720-2791
Email: [email protected]
www.usda.gov

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