Despite the high market demand Egyptian garlic in the last year, that surpassed supply by a large margin however, the land that is that is being cultivated has declined across the country during this time. “This signals a very exciting new season” according to Ehab Sami, the CEO for Noureen Food.
The grower told FreshPlaza: “Last year saw the world suffer from a shortage of garlic that made it possible for Egyptian exports to rise significantly and to reach new markets. Since it is the first crop in the world, Egyptian garlic is eagerly anticipated. But, we noticed the acreage of garlic has decreased in Egypt this time of year. Small-scale farmers are deciding to change to different crop varieties due to the increasing cost of producing garlic as well as the rising cost of the agricultural inputs.”
“This season, the demand continues to be very high beginning at the beginning of the season.” says Ehab, “We see sold demands from Europe for white varieties of garlic appropriate for fresh consumption. In the case of red garlic which is sold dry the demand is strong in East Asia, the Americas and a few European nations like Spain, Greece, and Italy. There is a good chance that we will see an increase in demand for this year because of the current global shortage as well as recent developments affecting international trading.”
One of these changes that is most important is the crisis within the Red Sea, which is disrupting the beginning of Egyptian garlic harvest. “It’s an entirely new factor which creates challenges as well as potential opportunities” Ehab says. Ehab. He says “East Asia countries, particularly Taiwan are the largest markets of Egyptian garlic. The situation within the Red Sea complicates our operations and can make it challenging to manage delivery times. Another side of the issue is that it benefits us in different markets, like Gulf States. Gulf States, which until this point have relied heavily upon European manufacturing.”
Another issue that is facing Egyptian exporters, as increasing demand, they have to maintain a consistent quality all through the year. “Maintaining an unchanging quality which is in line with the requirements of the countries that are being exported is what will determine the quality of the season. It can make a distinction between exporters” Ehab says. Ehab.
“At Noureen Food, we believe we will be able to overcome the challenges that come with this booming season,” says the exporter. “We anticipate the increase in consumer demand, and have increased the area of our operation to 300 feddans (126 acres). We’ve had more than ten years of experience within the industry, and have an integrated operation that covers the harvesting and growing process as well as export. We own our own farm in Menia and three packing stations located in Beni Sweif, well equipped to guarantee the highest quality sorting. We’re Global GAP and FDA certified and are aware of the export requirements and specifications of our various markets.”
Ehab concluding, “We reassure our new and returning customers that we’ve got enough quantities to meet most of their requests this year. We’ll be there with them in the show at Fruit Logistica, in Hall 22 and Stand D40.”
More information is available here:
Ehab Sami
Foods with noureen
Tel: +201110003911
Email: export@noureenfood.com
www.noureenfood.com
Source: The Plantations International Agroforestry Group of Companies