Enzo Garnero, the co-founder of Nile Valley Srl, a company specializing in the marketing of Egyptian products, says that the Egyptian table grape campaign is now in full swing. "We started sending out the first boxes in the third week of May, and now we are in the middle of the season, particularly for varieties like Crimson Seedless and Red Globe," he says.
© Nile Valley Srl
Garnero in a Red Globe grape field in Egypt
The harvest will continue until the end of August, but the focus will be on quality from day one. "Egypt boasts a number of considerable advantages," Garnero continues. The region's warm, dry climate with low humidity is perfect for growing grapes. The fertile soil is the result of irrigation with water from the Nile. Additionally, great attention is given to handling the clusters. "We focus on the caliber of the berries rather than the size of the bunch, which gives the product a visually sophisticated imprint."
According to the co-founder of Nile Valley, this production approach is similar to those used by other major exporting countries in both the field and the packaging stage. "The professionalism I witnessed in the Egyptian partners was deeply impressive. We are talking about an organized, certified supply chain that meets export standards. From Global G.A.P. to GRASP, we have everything we need to operate in international markets."
© Nile Valley Srl
Left: Red Globe grapes in the field. Right: Crimson Seedless grapes in processing
Facing challenges in logistics while markets continue to expand
However, there are also many challenges to overcome. The main challenge today relates to international logistics. "Egypt's location is strategic, but the current geopolitical instability and situation of the Suez Canal make decision-making difficult. In some cases, we've had to refuse to supply certain countries because the transit times do not align with the delicate nature of products like grapes."
Despite this, Nile Valley operates in several markets, spanning from Central America to Asia and West Africa. "In West Africa, for example, where we previously sold Italian grapes, we have successfully shifted interest to Egyptian grapes. Senegal and Nigeria, for example, are responding very well."
© Nile Valley Srl
Crimson Seedless grapes packed and ready to ship
Garnero also emphasizes a change in the perception of Egyptian products. "Some customers who were hesitant in the past are now changing their minds and acknowledging the significant quality improvement that has taken place in recent years."
The Egyptian grape campaign will end in late August, but Nile Valley is already planning for next year. In September, farmers will begin harvesting lemons, preceded by a period dedicated to sweet potatoes, which are particularly popular in Europe.
© Nile Valley SrlVisiting an Egyptian Red Globe grape field
For more information:
Mohamed Atta Ragb Ghonim
+20 1129177394
[email protected]
Enzo Garnero
+39 335 6998168
[email protected]
Alessio Chiabrando
+39 331 1904112
[email protected]
Nile Valley S.r.l.
Headquarters
Via dei Falchi 13
12024 Costigliole Saluzzo (CN) - Italy
+39 0175 496257
https://nile-valley.com (website under construction)
