Shift to Frozen Strawberries

The decline in fresh strawberry acreage has been offset by an increase in the cultivation of strawberries for the frozen sector. This shift has been driven by several factors:

• Higher Prices for Frozen Strawberries: Last season, prices for frozen strawberries surged by an average of 50% compared to previous years, making this segment more attractive to growers.
• Market Demand: Strong demand for Egyptian strawberries, particularly in the frozen category, has led to a reassessment of crop priorities among farmers.

Export Figures Highlight Demand

The demand for Egyptian strawberries is evident in the export figures from the last season:

• Egypt exported 257,000 tonnes of frozen strawberries, with three months still remaining in the season.
• In contrast, the country exported only 43,000 tonnes of fresh strawberries.

This disparity in export volumes underscores the growing preference for frozen strawberries, both domestically and internationally.

Looking Ahead

While the drop in fresh strawberry acreage and anticipated volume reduction may seem concerning, growers remain optimistic. They believe that the strong demand for Egyptian strawberries, particularly in the frozen segment, will help mitigate the impact of these challenges.

Additionally, the issues faced by competing countries, such as Morocco, due to climate change could further enhance the appeal of Egyptian strawberries in global markets. As a result, despite the challenges, the upcoming campaign may still yield favorable outcomes for the sector.

In summary, Egypt's strawberry sector is undergoing a significant transformation, with a marked shift from fresh to frozen production. While this change poses challenges, it also presents new opportunities in a market that continues to show robust demand for quality strawberries.