One month before the start of the Egyptian potato harvest, demand is already palpable, according to Mohammad Hassan, export director at Al Gamal Plantix.
“Planting for the next season was completed three months ago, and we expect the first harvests by January 15 or 20 at the latest. The cultivated area has increased again this year. There will be huge volumes in from Egypt.
“Demand is also expected to be strong. Contracts are currently dynamic for the next season, with customers coming from Europe, particularly Spain and the UK, and Arab countries.”
Hassan also predicts an inevitable rise in prices. He explains: “Production costs continue to increase, including labor, energy and agricultural inputs. Our prices will therefore increase by 20 to 25%.”
The expansion in production volumes and demand concerns all varieties, according to Hassan. “We are talking about table potatoes, potatoes for fries and chips. In terms of varieties we are talking about Sepunta, Mondial, Diamond, Hermes, Lady Rosetta and Cara.”
At Al Gamal, which is part of the Plantix group, we are preparing a volume of 60 thousand tonnes for the next season, all varieties combined, an increase of 100% compared to the previous season,” explains Hassan.
Last season, against a global backdrop of insufficient potato volumes, Egypt stood out as a stable source, according to Mr. Hassan. “Last season we exported potatoes mainly to Spain and the Netherlands, despite high production in these countries, as well as to Eastern European and Balkan countries. Gulf, such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, came second, followed by African markets. Small quantities of Egyptian potatoes were exported almost everywhere,” he then said.
“The trend in the potato market remains the same, with volumes below market needs in many parts of the world. Every increase in volumes from Egypt is welcomed internationally,” concludes Mr. Hassan .
For more information:
Mohamed Hassan
Algamal – Plantix
Such. : +20 1062839734
[email protected]
