Egyptian grower Mohamed Awwad, CEO of Al Awwad for Import and Export, announces the arrival of sweet peppers from Egypt next week. "The new season is starting as we see strong European demand and a more dynamic market than last season," he says.
© Mohamed Awwad
The Egyptian origin is becoming increasingly important in the sweet pepper industry and is establishing itself as an alternative to other origins that are already established in the European market. This season, we are seeing much stronger demand, perhaps due to climatic difficulties and phytosanitary problems elsewhere. We are pleased to note that these problems do not exist in Egypt, which is accompanied by faster and smoother logistics, giving us a considerable boost," the grower adds.
According to its CEO, Al Awwad is starting the season with a stable area of 25 hectares under greenhouses, dominated by California red peppers, the most popular variety in Europe, followed by other colors. He adds: "We have just carried out thorough checks on color uniformity, sizing, and overall crop performance, as well as a complete review of irrigation and fertilization programs to ensure compliance with European safety and pesticide residue requirements. We are ready and just days away from shipping our first container of premium quality colored peppers for this season, and the excitement is real for a successful season!"
© Mohamed Awwad
The grower adds that demand for Egyptian peppers is fueled by supply gaps in several European markets, including the Netherlands, Germany, France, and the UK. He continues, "We are increasingly shipping to Europe, which is overtaking our usual markets in the Gulf. We welcomed several customers to our farms before the start of the season, who were able to witness our operations firsthand. Our peppers will reach more European markets this season, including supermarket shelves."
"Exports of peppers and other early vegetables from Egypt to Europe have received a major boost with Ro-Ro services, which have reduced transit time to just one week to the major ports on the European continent, and less than 10 days to secondary ports," Awwad notes.
© Mohamed Awwad
The season will start with prices slightly higher than last season, according to Awwad, who attributes this increase to the rise in the exchange rate of the Egyptian pound against the euro since the start of the previous season.
"We look forward to meeting buyers and discussing their plans for the season, which runs until April, at the Food Africa trade show in Cairo from December 9 to 12, and at the Fruit Logistica trade show in Berlin, where we will be exhibiting in Hall 25 C-03," Awwad concludes.
For more information:
Mohamed Awwad
Al Awwad for Import and Export
Tel: +201115555071
Email: [email protected]
www.alawwad-eg.com
