RONCO in the News: Archives

Egyptian Strawberry Export Increase

Reprinted from Eurofruit, February 2000

CAIRO, Feb. 2000 - Egyptian strawberries are set to make a splash this year helped by the implementation of improved production and post harvest handling technology. Stephanie Sanders spoke to Dianne Sutherland from RONCO.

What is the current season looking like in terms of quality and volumes?

The quality of Egyptian strawberries are comparable to or better than all of Egypt's major competitors and continue to improve each season due to the implementation of improved production and post harvest handling technology. Furthermore, farms participating in the export program of the Horticulture Export Improvement Association (HEIA), have more than doubled. As a result, we are definitely expecting a significant increase in exports this year.

Which are the most important markets for Egypt's strawberries?

At the moment, most of the Egyptian strawberries harvested from farms participating in the HEIA/RONCO quality assurance program, are exported to the UK but considerable volumes are also being sent to the Gulf markets as well. Furthermore, the Egyptian company Technogreen is exporting strawberries to France, Belgium, Holland and Germany as well as supplying Hage International with fruit for distribution from Holland.

Where are the main growing regions for strawberries in Egypt?

The main growing regions for the country's strawberries are in north central Egypt including Giza, South Tahrir and Sharkia regions as well in the Ismalia region of north eastern Egypt.

What measures have you put in place to help improve and maintain quality levels?

We have a number of different procedures in place which have helped to boost Egypt's strawberries in the market place. We have a quality assurance program which is designed to meet or exceed international requirements and many farms, including Egypt's three largest strawberry exporters, have instituted field packing. After initial training at pilot farms, all members of the HEIA export program have requested the services of the two consultants. The specialists also returned in mid-January to provide training to the remaining export program farms. In addition, the farmers have converted to dry coil pre-cooling systems and the project also benefits from expert strawberry consultants from California and Florida.

Which markets are you targeting for future growth?

In the immediate future, RONCO's marketing advisor Matt Tokar is helping Egyptian exporters expand their presence in Europe, particularly in Germany and Italy. We are also researching into the expansion of exports in Asian and South African markets this season.

Is strawberry consumption increasing in Egypt?

I think it would be safe to assume that strawberry consumption has increased because the quality of products has increased for the export market.

Have the Egyptian exporters made any changes to the packaging of their produce?

Yes, many exporters are either using or conducting trials with the single layer, flat pack punnet, used predominantly for the UK market. The use of this punnet significantly reduces pressure bruising and it is getting a better reception in the market then traditional packaging. Many growers have also switched to a carton manufactured with improved technology.

In your opinion, where do you see the future of Egypt's strawberry production?

The future of the country's exports looks very promising and we expect to see a dramatic increase in volumes and number of direct shipments to European retailers for a variety of reasons. Firstly, the production area for strawberries has more than doubled among HEIA members participating in the export program. The use of the HEIA quality assurance program has also expanded, the number of farms implementing field packing has grown and there has been an increase in the use of single layer, flat pack punnets.

Are there any other new developments?

RONCO/ATUT project consultants have also noted a strong commitment among growers and exporters to maintain proper post harvest procedures, especially in upholding the cold chain.