As the Egyptian onion season approaches, growers are announcing stable volumes and the certain absence of a ban on exports, as was the case two seasons ago. These are the words of Mostafa Medhat, managing director of Tut Produce.
The grower says, "Everything points to a stable season, both in terms of volumes and prices. At the national level, there has been no increase in acreage, with the exception of contract exporters who have increased their surface area. Yields, on the other hand, improved thanks to the warmer temperatures."
In fact, the season preceding the last one was marked by a global shortage of onions which led to an increase in Egyptian exports, before the government intervened by banning exports to protect the local market. As a logical consequence, many Egyptian growers increased their acreage last season, expecting the global shortage to persist. Prices then fell sharply, discouraging any further expansion of acreage for the upcoming season.
This year, there will be a global shortage of certain varieties, according to Mostafa: "Production of red varieties is sufficient. However, there will be a shortage of reds in many parts of the world. We are already seeing reports of a lack of production and signs of strong demand. I would like to assure you that Egyptian production of both varieties is sufficient to cover the deficit in all markets."
On the logistics front, the grower predicts a smooth campaign, even with the simultaneous presence of other products to be exported in hundreds of thousands of tonnes. He says, "We have ample shipping lines available, to Valencia, Rotterdam, London Gateway, Salerno, and other ports."
Mostafa expects strong demand for onions from southeastern European markets such as Bulgaria and other Balkan countries, in addition to traditional markets such as the Netherlands, the UK, and Spain. He adds: "East and West African markets will also be very dynamic, as the Egyptian government is subsidizing exports to Africa. We expect demand to pick up from Germany and Belgium, judging by the interest we saw at Fruit Logistica."
Mostafa said he noted a new trend in demand for onions during his participation in Fruit Logistica 2025. He explains, "We see many buyers asking for organic onions, to the point we're studying growing them. It's a risky market, with obviously lower yields and higher costs, which we need to approach with careful steps, but we can see that it's the trend and that it's technically feasible as early as 2026."
The grower concludes, "For the rest, I think the season will be very fine. At Tut Produce, we have doubled our onion area compared to last season, reaching 260 feddans. It's a choice that emanates from great customer demand, and our normal growth as a young family business."
For more information:
Mostafa Medhat
Tut Produce
Tel: +201283335533
Email: [email protected]