Egypt’s grape exports expected to grow in EU market in 2024

EGYPT – Egypt is on track for a record year of grape exports to the European Union (EU) in 2024, according to recent estimates by East Fruit, a market analysis website.

Predictions suggest that Egyptian grape exports to the EU could reach 75,000 tons, reflecting a 7% increase from last year’s total of 70,000 tons.

This would mark the third consecutive year of growth for Egypt’s table grape exports to the EU, driven by strong local production and favorable export conditions.

The European Union remains a key destination for Egyptian grapes, with over 75% of shipments expected to go to the Netherlands and Germany, two of the country’s most significant export partners.

“We’re optimistic about the season and the European market’s demand for our grapes,” said a spokesperson from Egypt’s Ministry of Trade and Industry.

“Our seasonal advantage is a major factor; in June and July, we’re virtually the only exporter supplying fresh grapes to Europe.”

Egypt’s strength as a grape exporter largely stems from its extensive cultivation and increasing harvest. According to a report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Egyptian grape production is forecasted to reach 1.57 million tons in the 2023/2024 season, up by 8,000 tons from the previous year.

This growth supports Egypt’s ambitions to increase exports while maintaining the quality and quantity of grapes available to both domestic and international markets.

Grapes, covering nearly 76,000 hectares of agricultural land in Egypt, are the country’s second-largest fruit crop after citrus.

Egyptian growers have been able to maximize their yield through advancements in farming practices and infrastructure improvements, which, in turn, enable better timing and quality control for exported goods.

Expanding citrus production to complement exports

The grape industry’s growth comes on the heels of another initiative aimed at enhancing Egypt’s agricultural exports: the establishment of a USD 10 million special economic zone focused on citrus concentrate production.

Approved by Egypt’s Cabinet, the new “Ghrs for Citrus Concentrates” project is located in the Port Said industrial area and is expected to generate over 300 jobs in its first phase.

“This zone will create stable employment and foster local economic growth,” said an official from the Ministry of Trade and Industry. “It is designed to streamline citrus exports by focusing on concentrated production, which has high demand in international markets.”

The citrus economic zone, set to span over 10,000 square meters, will operate under a framework requiring locally sourced citrus and 100% export of its output.

With a projected production capacity of 2,500 tons per year, the zone aims to boost Egypt’s position in the global citrus market, thereby complementing the existing grape export strategies.

“We are proud to see Egypt’s agricultural exports continue to grow,” noted a Ministry of Trade and Industry official. “Our partnerships with the EU and initiatives like the citrus economic zone show our dedication to long-term growth for Egypt’s economy and agriculture.”

Sign up to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World HERE.