The acreage has been cut nearly 50% this year, with some growers have opted to plant onions instead, the quantity of Egyptian garlic has dropped dramatically.

Ralph Nakhal of Egyptian grower Tomna claims: “Egyptian garlic is very expensive right now. At this time of the year, prices go down. However, it’s not so. There is a shortage of supplies on the local market, and The currency (EGP) appreciates against the USD that is increasing the cost we charge our clients.”

Egypt is now just beginning the season for garlic, and is exporting freshly harvested garlic into Europe specifically. According to Nakhal Egypt is at this point of the season against Argentina, China and Spain and has a few older harvests.

Even though there is no guarantee that the Red Sea crisis is unlikely to have an impact on the Egyptian garlic season in the same degree as it does from citrus crops, the crisis could affect the garlic season. Ralph says: “Until now, we aren’t yet in the season of dry garlic. It is typically targeted to regions in Far East, particularly Taiwan and Australia. The first shipment is scheduled for the beginning of May. We are hoping that the current situation will be resolved before then, but if not, the quantity of cargo that are shipped into these countries will definitely decrease.”

Ralph says: “However, given the demand for supplies, and the soaring demand, it’s unlikely that we will stop the initiative. Alternative markets that we can access in the Middle East and the West are expected to sustain a steady demand.”

More details:

Ralph Nakhal

Tomna for Agricultural Investment

Tel: +20 100 2717 275

Email: ralph@tomna.farm

www.tomna.farm