The export season for fresh Egyptian strawberries has started. As expected, prices increased and even doubled compared to the start of the previous season. Elsayed Elgohary, owner of Marvel Farm, explains the reasons.
“We started exporting to European countries last week, on November 15. Exports to Europe will continue until January 15, and to Arab countries until March 1. The best quality is currently available in the sweet sensation, brilliance and felicity varieties, and the other varieties will follow successively,” announces Mr. Elgohary.
“The season begins with prices up to 100% higher than those of the previous campaign,” continues Mr. Elgohary. “The reasons are multiple… in fact, what marks the 2024/2025 season is the exaggerated increase in production costs, with several aggravating factors such as climate change, exchange rates, new European regulations in terms of plant protection products, the reduction of surface areas… we have no other choice but to increase prices.”
According to Mr. Elgohary, the area devoted to fresh strawberries decreased by 25% compared to the previous season due to problems with the supply of quality plants, and this area was used to grow frozen strawberry varieties. Demand, on the other hand, shows no signs of slowing down, driving up the price of fresh strawberries.
“Moreover, high prices and regular shipping costs have become an unbearable burden. Egyptian shipping companies can no longer face competition from other companies from countries close to Europe. The low exchange rate of the Egyptian currency does not help, and the same goes for other costs of imported services and materials used in the production and export of strawberries,” continues Mr. Elgohary.
The withdrawal of several active substances from plant protection products authorized by the European Union has also increased production costs, according to the producer. He explains that “this has affected us as producers in terms of dispersion and confusion, and has led to increased costs due to the use of expensive pesticides to comply and adapt to the new lists. This leads to limited availability of active ingredients, and therefore their use several times in the same season This leads to the acquisition of resistance to the active ingredients used, making the problem more difficult for growers Climate change. only adds to the costs.”
Elgohary reassures: “If we are forced to increase our production costs and our prices, it is to be able to continue to guarantee the best quality. This season’s prices are justified by the superior quality of our strawberries, which meet the needs customers in terms of size, taste and food safety.
For more information:
Elsayed Elgohary
Marvel Farms
Such. : +201002496633
[email protected]
