The Lebanese table grape season continues amid challenging conditions, marked by low demand and high costs, in the face of fierce competition from Egypt.
© Bamo Zgheib
Moussa Zgheib, Lebanese grower, says: "Weather conditions have been bad for table grapes in Lebanon this season, with cold spells and hail during flowering causing widespread abortion, compounded by a water supply problem. We had a fairly large production in terms of volume, but with a deterioration in quality, making good quality batches very expensive to source. The varieties most affected are Red Globe, White Superior Seedless, and Crimson Black Seedless."
The difficulties faced by Lebanese exporters are exacerbated by competition from Egypt, where producers are enjoying good conditions this season. Mr. Zgheib explains: "Climate change is rather favorable to Egypt. Not only did the table grape season start earlier there, but it is also lasting longer than usual. The market is currently saturated with Egyptian grapes and will remain so until November."
© Bamo Zgheib
On the Lebanese side, the export campaign is slow. "Our customers are asking us to slow down shipments, and delays are piling up. One customer, for example, who was supposed to receive 20 containers to date, has only taken four. We are merely waiting for the Egyptian season to end. Meanwhile, we're exporting at low capacity to Europe and African countries."
Lebanese exporters of various fruits, including table grapes, avocados, and others, are emerging from a difficult period in the last couple of years due to the war in the region, but this season they are facing unfavorable weather conditions that have contributed to a sharp increase in fruit prices on the local market, thereby reducing the competitiveness of exports.
For more information:
Moussa Zgheib
Bamo Zgheib
Tel: +9613757474
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
www.bamozgheib.com
