With the end of the potato harvest in Egypt, exporters are now moving on to the storage phase in order to continue export programs until the end of the year. Yassen Abdelhay, export advisor at Arafa for Export and Development, assures that storage conditions will be crucial to the ultimate success of the campaign.
A market of strong demand
Abdelhay states, "The 2025 potato season in Egypt has seen a significant increase in production, resulting in affordable and competitive export prices. Export volumes have risen by approximately 25% compared to last year, with over one million tons exported by May 2025. Russia is the largest export destination, while we have also observed growing demand from new and expanding markets such as the United Kingdom and the Far East. At Arafa Company, we are proud to have successfully exported over 40,000 tons of potatoes so far this year, with continued shipments planned till the end of December."
It is now essential to control storage conditions, Abdelhay adds: "Since our harvest season ends by late June each year, we rely on storing large quantities of potatoes in cold storage to ensure continued loading and exports till October and then until December with fresh potatoes. This makes it essential for us to be fully familiar with all cold storage standards and post-harvest treatments, ensuring quality, freshness, and compliance with international export requirements."
"Ensuring the long-term storage and safe shipment of potatoes can be challenging, as the tubers are subject to sprouting, shrinkage, and rotten. However, by following best practices and international standards related to safety, quality, and shelf-life, we consistently maintain the freshness of our products. As one of Egypt's leading potato growers and suppliers, we take pride in offering year-round availability of high-quality potatoes," he continues.
Best practices in storing and shipping potatoes in long transit
The exporter shares a guide to best practices for storing potatoes:
The role of harvest in successful storage
Proper storage starts with careful harvesting. During this stage, it is essential to handle potatoes gently to avoid bruising, cracking, or damage to the skin. Exposure to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight for a long time after harvest may affect quality and lead to early spoilage.
Curing after harvest
After harvesting, potatoes go through a curing process, where they are stored for about five days at around 20°C. This step allows:
- Minor injuries to heal;
- Sorting of lower-quality or damaged potatoes for immediate sale at a reduced price;
- Keeping only premium-quality potatoes for long-term storage.
Cold storage best practices
Maintaining the right conditions in cold storage is key to preventing sprouting and shrinkage while preserving nutritional value.
Temperature
Potatoes fall into two main categories, each requiring a specific temperature for optimal storage.
- Table potatoes: Intended for direct consumption, need to be stored at 3–5°C
- Processing potatoes: Used for industrial purposes like chipping and French fries, they need to be stored at 8–11°C
- Once the potatoes are placed in cold storage, the temperature should be gradually reduced by 0.5 to 1°C per day to prevent temperature shock.
Humidity
Maintain 80–90% humidity to prevent excessive drying and weight loss while avoiding excessive moisture.
Darkness
Keep storage areas completely dark to prevent greening that develops under light exposure.
Ventilation
Proper airflow is crucial for balancing temperature and humidity throughout the storage space. Ventilation should be consistent and effective.
Sprout Inhibition
Sprouting can be controlled using anti-sprouting chemicals, depending on local regulations:
- Some countries allow use under strict guidelines;
- Only certified professionals should handle anti-sprouting chemicals.
- A safety interval of about 20 days must be observed before consumption.
Avoid cross-storing or mixing products
Do not store seed potatoes and consume potatoes together. Mixing products may lead to reduced quality and potential spoilage.
Storing processing potatoes below 7°C may cause a problem called cold-induced sweetening. At these lower temperatures, the potatoes accumulate too many reducing sugars, which leads to an undesirable dark color when cooked. To fix this, we put the potatoes through a reconditioning process: we gradually increase the storage temperature (often by about 1 degree per day) until it reaches 20°C. This process helps the potatoes convert those sugars back into starch, improving their color for processing.
Storage conditions for potatoes, including optimal temperature protocols, can vary slightly depending on the specific potato variety and the desired storage duration. For precise recommendations and to address any unique challenges, it's always best to consult with agricultural professionals or storage experts.
Shipping potatoes in containers
When preparing potatoes for export, maintaining optimal conditions inside the container is critical:
Temperature:
- Table potatoes: 3–5°C
- Processing potatoes: 8–11°C
Humidity: 85–90%
Ventilation Rate: 30 cubic meters per hour
"These parameters help ensure that potatoes arrive at their destination fresh, firm, and free from sprouting or spoilage," the exporter adds.
Abdelhay assures that the Arafa company meticulously observes all of these practices. He concludes, "We're dedicated to delivering top-quality potatoes from the farm to the destination. By sticking to these best practices in harvesting, curing, storing, and shipping, we ensure consistent quality and freshness across our entire supply chain. We apply these rigorous standards during both harvest and off-season periods, and particularly for shipments with long transit times to countries in the Far East, such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam."
For more information:
Yassen Abdelhay
Arafa for export and agriculture development
Tel/WhatsApp: +20 1007244471
Email: [email protected]
www.arafatrade.com