Egyptian citrus season to start on December 15

The Egyptian citrus season will start on December 15, according to several exporters citing an unofficial communication by the Agricultural Export Council. The season's kick-off comes two weeks later than usual, due to weather changes that alter the timing of fruit ripening. Amgad Nessem, export manager at El Teriak Farms, gives his impressions of the coming season.

Nessem tells FreshPlaza: "The kick-off date has been set after a long wait on our part and that of our markets. I wish a fair wind to all citrus professionals, in Egypt and among our customers. Hopefully, a fine season awaits us this year, in a context of global production deficit, while all eyes are on Egypt."

Egypt will enter the market with fewer volumes than last season, but with better fruit, says Nessem. He explains, "We have fewer volumes compared to last season, which is not bad news in itself. Last season, we had an abundance of small sizes and a greater density of fruits on the trees. This season, we're pleased to report better sizes, with an abundance of large and medium-sized fruit, which means lower volumes but better business. Our operations are going well so far, despite the impact of climate change and a longer summer, which has delayed fruit ripening. The navel oranges reached 70% coloration as of today, and it's only a matter of days before they're ready to harvest. This explains the postponement of the start of the campaign from December 1 to December 15."