Malaysia and Singapore are becoming alternative markets for Egypt’s citrus exports with a decrease in supply to China under Covid19
“We are right at the start of the Valencia orange season. This year’s Valencia crop starts with a nice quality thanks to heavy rains this winter. The rains helped to wash the fruits and reduce infections of insects. Our Valencia oranges are exported to Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and China”, says Youssif Mandour from Top Fresh for Export.
“Malaysia might become the biggest market for Egyptian Oranges in the Far East countries, as China has reduced import quantities for the last three years because of Covid19. Our company has a good base in the above mentioned countries due to our stable quality supply.”
“Our export season started in December with Egyptian navel oranges. This year’s crop is good quality and juicy. We are in the middle of planning processes for our exports to China. Our China export season will start in the middle of February as, at the moment, there are still local crops on the market. We send our best quality to China at compatible prices."
"We have our brand, Top Fresh, that is available in open top style 15 KG and telescopic carton style also 15KG. We have a new promising brand named Moona. We are trying to expand our business to China. The Chinese market has not been good for two years under Covid19.
"In 2018 Egyptian citrus had a very strong year on the Chinese market, just before Covid. Big quantities were sent from Egypt to China, and both sides were making money.
"But recently because of Covid19 and logistic difficulties, quantities to China have been decreased by 40%. At the moment, Chinese traders already start to ask for Egyptian Valencia's. Hopefully offered prices can comply to their requirements. There have been big increases in production costs in Egypt, both in raw materials and in bagging materials (carton prices). Freight costs also increased.”
"The Valencia citrus crop we are harvesting this week will arrive on the Chinese market by the end of February. The larger part of the crop will start being shipped to China the first week of February. Our Valencia oranges have good brix at 11+, good colour, smooth skin and all sizes are available starting from 48 to 125. Our Valencia exports can continue export until mid-February. We have grades for Valencia premium quality Premium grade, grade 1, 1.5 and 2."
"We started the Navel season in beginning of December. Early navels continue until end of the month. Then we have a big program for late navel to Hong Kong and Malaysia. Right now we are being asked by some Chinese importers about late navels, and we are making a program to supply China. All sizes also are available for late navel mainly 36/40/48/56/64. We will start our late navel packing by end of February first week. Customers have already started to book since its quantities are limited.
"We also export Honey Murcot, which is a strong easy peeler variety. It can survive ninety days of cold storage, its juicy, with high brix and good eating quality. It is already starting and will continue till end of February. We pack it either in cartons or plastic Box 8.5 KG, 10 KG and 15 Kg.”
Top Fresh for Exports established a partnership with one of the biggest farms in Egypt five years ago. The company exports oranges, grapes, pomegranates, lemon, onion and strawberries via air and sea shipments.
For more information:
Youssif Mandour
Managing Director
Top Fresh for Export
Phone number: +20 1061 115 618 / +20 1111 557 333
www.top-fresh.com