The 2025/26 season for Egyptian sweet potatoes starts in a few days. The industry has seen a steady increase in volumes in recent years, raising questions about the level of supply it can achieve while maintaining its value. Prices have been an issue in the last two seasons when several producers decided to suspend their harvests during periods of freefalling farm gate prices. And yet, volumes continue to increase this season.
© Grand Egypt Agro
Between January and June of 2024, Egypt exported approximately 65 thousand tonnes of sweet potatoes, compared to 53 thousand tonnes the previous year. Hasnaa Mahmoud, logistics manager at Grand Egypt Agro, explains: "Compared to last season, Egypt has witnessed a noticeable increase in sweet potato production volumes, and this season is no exception. At Grand Egypt Agro, we have seen export volumes grow by almost 25% year-on-year. This surge is largely driven by a combination of factors, including expanded cultivated areas, improved agricultural practices, and strong international demand, particularly from European markets."
The surge in the sweet potato industry has attracted a large number of exporters, leading to a period of instability that has intensified over the last two seasons. As Hasnaa comments, "In previous seasons, the rapid increase in production volumes across Egypt led to a drop in market prices, causing some growers to temporarily suspend their harvest in the hope of a rebound. However, at Grand Egypt Agro, we believe that this season will see more price stability."
© Grand Egypt Agro
The exporter argues, "This year, exporters and growers alike have become more strategic. For instance, at Grand Egypt Agro, we have adjusted our planning and contracting approach, focusing on demand-driven production and diversifying target markets to avoid oversupply in specific regions. In addition, many growers are now entering pre-harvest contracts to secure minimum guaranteed prices. As a result, we expect prices to remain more balanced this season, especially with growing demand from Europe, the Gulf, and some emerging Asian markets. Barring any unexpected climatic or logistical disruptions, the price volatility we saw in the past should be less severe this year."
This scenario is contingent on a high level of demand, which Hasnaa anticipates. She adds: "Demand for Egyptian sweet potatoes remains strong overall this season, though there are notable variations across different markets. We are seeing an especially strong performance in European countries such as the Netherlands, Germany, and the UK. These markets continue to value the quality, consistency, and competitive pricing of Egyptian produce."
"On the other hand, some Gulf markets are slightly slower than usual, particularly due to higher inventory levels from the previous season and increased local competition. That said, we expect demand to pick up again as the season progresses, especially with the superior sizing and quality we are offering this year," she continues.
© Grand Egypt Agro
In order to support prices, Egyptian growers will also be required to improve quality. Hasnaa: "Growers in Egypt, including our team at Grand Egypt Agro, have invested heavily in high-quality varieties and post-harvest handling systems, which significantly enhance shelf life and compliance with international standards. Furthermore, governmental support and better logistics infrastructure have contributed to making Egypt a competitive player in global sweet potato exports."
"We are also exploring increased penetration into Eastern Europe and select Asian destinations, where interest in Egyptian sweet potatoes is growing steadily. We see signs that our approach is bound to pay off, as we are experiencing solid demand across both traditional and emerging markets," the exporter concludes.
For more information:
Grand Egypt Agro
Hasnaa Mahmoud
Tel: +201229877628
Email: [email protected]
Reda Mohamed
Tel: +201013142354
Email : [email protected] / [email protected]
