"Most Egyptian garlic suppliers are fully booked"

The Egyptian garlic season is progressing positively for exporters, with rising prices and strong demand across several markets. Ehab Sami, grower-exporter and CEO of Noureen Food, notes that "most Egyptian garlic suppliers are fully booked."

According to Sami, the season began with fairly strong European demand and prices that were already satisfactory for exporters. Then, strong demand from Brazil came to change the course of the season. The exporter adds: "The campaign is very busy right now, with strong demand in Europe, Brazil, and the United States for premium-quality garlic."

"Brazilian demand for Egyptian garlic is not unusual, and follows seasonal ups and downs. This year, we are seeing a shortage of supply in Brazil that is impacting the market. At Noureen Food, we are among the exporters actively shipping to Brazil thanks to our participation in Fruit Attraction in São Paulo, just before the start of the season," Sami continues.

Prices for raw garlic are rising accordingly in Egypt. "Price increases are almost a daily occurrence. Export prices are rising as well; we're seeing that European buyers are also beginning to align with mid-season prices," Sami says.

The grower announces the introduction of two new varieties, which he believes better meet market specifications: "We are pleased to share that we have conducted successful trials for new varieties of strip garlic and spring garlic. They are characterized by a round shape and large cloves, which appeal to consumers in several markets, including Brazil, Australia, the United States, and Europe. We have received positive feedback from our customers, and these varieties will be available for export starting next season."

According to the producer, the strong demand for Egyptian garlic appears to be a lasting trend: "We're already starting to receive orders for next season as well, especially for the varieties we've recently introduced."