“Commercial barriers hinder us from gaining access to Asian market”

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Lebanese table grape producers hope to recover from the difficult harvest the year before, which was which was characterized by harsh weather conditions that cost 40% of the yields. Anna Maria El Saikali, co-owner of and coordinator for El Saikali Farms, shares her perspective about the Lebanese table grapes business.

The soil, climate, and water conditions are suitable for the growth of table grapes. There are some exceptions from one season to another. El Saikali explains: “Temperature changes between daylight (35 degree Celsius) and the nighttime (15 degree Celsius) create optimally healthy conditions for table grapes. They also help to develop solidity and the color of. The soft soil, calcareous in nature and clear natural resources of water provide ideal cultivation conditions for our vineyards. This allows us to determine our wine’s quality in terms of the quality, color and freshness of each grape. This is the most evident with our vineyards at El Saikali, which are situated at an altitude at 1,100 meters above the sea level.”

But, Lebanon is not immune from climate change. It was more severe last year. El Saikali recounts, “Last season, the yields fell by 40 percent due to poor conditions for the weather. It was warmer than average over 30 days in the stage of development for berries and less than average in the set stage of fruit, along with low amounts of rain. We’re hopeful for better weather this year. We’ll keep our fingers crossed for the middle of November, when our final pickings will begin.”

Commercially On the other hand, Lebanon enjoys net advantages however, there are some challenges which limit its export capabilities. El Saikali explains: “In in addition to the high level in Lebanese table grapes, which are classified in the top segment, and with an excellent perception of value, we also benefit of a significant advantage that is the late season for marketing. The market for our products is in the months of October through February unlike competition that, like in Egypt is beginning in the month of May. We cultivate the most sought-after varieties that are in high demand in the international marketplace, like Crimson, Red Globe, Superior, Black Pearl, and Scarlet in addition to popular local varieties such as Baytamouni, and Tfeifihi. We also hold accreditations to open new markets outside of our country including Global Gap, and we manage pesticide residues with precision.”

The company’s producer added: “Despite all these commercial benefits, we are still restricted to markets that are close by like the Gulf countries as well as some European markets. It’s hard to get access to remote markets via roads because the closed borders and strict laws. Furthermore, maritime as well as air transportation increase the cost for the markets we want to target. We hope to establish clients in regions that are like Southeast Asia and South Africa in which consumers are likely to be attracted by the highest quality table grapes, whose taste is worth the cost difference. We remain in the business of supplying our clients with our products in Europe as well as the Gulf.

Producers have set out on a mission to introduce Lebanese table grapes into the world according to her. “I’ve just returned to the Fruit Logistica fair in Berlin in which I was able to talk with the possibility of exporting our table grapes into new markets. This is the family tradition passed down from generation to generation. Alongside the commercial aspect We also preserve more than 70 varieties indigenous to Lebanon that are indigenous to Lebanon as well as the surrounding region and we welcome Grape lovers who come to us for a visit and bring their preferred grape varieties to transplant it into their own vineyards.” concludes El Saikali.

More details:

Anna Maria El Saikali

El Saikali Farms

Tel: +961 70 445 226

Email: anna.saikali@gmail.com

Kamal El Saikali

kelsaikali@yahoo.com

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Source: The Plantations International Agroforestry Group of Companies