"We shipped our first container of Egyptian watermelons to the European market"

The Egyptian watermelon season began a few weeks ago, but the export campaign is now gathering pace as Egyptian exporters seek to establish a foothold in the international market. Walid Sallam from Suez Canal Trade & Agricultural Development Company gives an overview of the company's first steps into the European market this season.

A shift towards internationally known varieties
The grower and exporter describes the watermelon industry in Egypt: "The watermelon season typically begins in May, but fresh harvests keep coming until late July. Watermelons are grown in almost all of Egypt's agricultural regions, and production is strategically adapted to the climate. Cultivation begins mainly in Upper Egypt, starting from Aswan, then moves north to Minya, before continuing in the northern provinces of Damietta and Beheira. This geographical distribution allows for a continuous harvest throughout the season."

Watermelon production in Egypt has evolved in recent years, with growers seeking to establish a presence in international markets by offering varieties familiar to European buyers and consumers. Sallam explains: "The main watermelon variety in Egypt is Giza, a variety developed by the Egyptian Agricultural Research Centre, which accounts for around 80% of the total area under watermelon cultivation. It is known for its round shape, dark green skin, heavy weight, and high Brix (12–13). The vast majority of this production is destined for domestic consumption. Egyptian consumption habits strongly favour the Giza variety, with a marked cultural preference for purchasing large, whole fruits, resulting in high consumption quantities per transaction.

However, there is a growing production of other watermelon varieties, such as Crimson, a variety known worldwide for its elongated shape, dark green stripes, and a Brix of 10 to 12. The cultivation of Crimson watermelons in Egypt began a few years ago, around 5 to 7 years ago, on a limited scale. It was mainly grown for export, as domestic demand in Egypt was very low compared to the preference for the Giza variety," Sallam continues.

First exported to Gulf countries, then to Europe
In tandem with the shifts in production, exporters began to introduce the contract farming model. According to Sallam, this approach encouraged growers to gradually expand their cultivation of crimson watermelons and to secure export markets for their produce.

Market-wise, Egyptian watermelons first appeared in the Gulf countries a few years ago, before being shipped to Europe on a small scale. Sallam says: "At Suez Canal Trade & Agricultural Development Company, we shipped our first trial container of watermelons to the European market this season, specifically to Austria. The trial was a success despite overlapping with that of well-established suppliers such as Morocco, Italy, and Greece, and we are currently shipping three containers a week for our very first season. At this pace, we hope to gain a foothold in the European market within a few years."