Until now lagging behind other neighboring origins in terms of avocado cultivation and export, "Egypt is on track to become a major player in the industry within the next 5 to 7 years." This is according to Mohamed Ashraf, COO of Egyptian producer PICO.
© PICO
The producer states that Egypt has everything it needs to become a major supplier of avocados. He explains: "We grow avocados in subtropical conditions, which affects their size, but they are still large enough to be exported. Egyptian avocados have an excellent taste, and we easily achieve the desired dry matter content for all varieties. Cultivation and acreage expansion are currently underway for both green-skinned and dark-skinned varieties in order to serve many markets with different preferences, and there is still great potential for development and expansion."
Egyptian avocados are beginning to appear on international markets, and it is only a matter of time before the Egyptian alternative establishes itself with significant volumes, according to Ashraf. He adds: "It will certainly take time to achieve large areas planted with avocado trees, and the same applies to achieving sufficient volumes for export. Egypt has begun to produce decent volumes, primarily for the local market and Arab countries, and is now starting to penetrate European markets. Very soon, within five to seven years, we will reach a critical mass of volumes that will enable us to compete in the European market."
© PICO
European demand remains sufficiently strong and growing to absorb significant additional volumes, and, according to the producer, the market is far from saturated, nor does fierce competition pose an obstacle. He argues: "The Egyptian avocado export window, from October to January, is filled by other origins, but we have well-known advantages in terms of competitive production costs and logistics. The average price of Egyptian avocados will certainly fall within the acceptable average market price range. Logistical ease is also a competitive advantage, making our avocados competitive, as we have stable access to the UK and Europe via fixed weekly lines provided by various shipping companies."
© PICO
"At PICO, we have a very ambitious expansion plan and believe that avocados could become one of Egypt's main export crops. Strategically, we are working to increase our avocado acreage in order to meet the ever-growing demand in both overseas and domestic markets. We pride ourselves on being the first company in Egypt to grow avocados and encourage other companies to do the same. This will change the supply map and enable Egypt to become a major supplier of avocados to the international market," Ashraf adds.
PICO, a regular exhibitor at major trade shows, will be present at Fruit Attraction in Madrid at booth 14E04.
For more information:
Mohamed Ashraf
PICO
Email: [email protected]
www.picoagriculture.com