Egypt accelerates its bet on avocados with an eye to Europe

With favorable growing conditions and competitive costs, the country seeks to consolidate itself in the next five to seven years as a relevant supplier of avocados to the European market, driven by expansion plans led by companies such as PICO.

Until recently lagging behind other origins, Egypt is beginning to establish itself on the international avocado map. According to Mohamed Ashraf, operations director of the producer PICO, the country boasts subtropical conditions that allow for the production of good-sized fruit with excellent flavor and the dry matter content demanded by the market. Currently, both green-skinned and dark-skinned varieties are being cultivated, with plans to expand the acreage to meet the diverse preferences of international consumers.

Although production is still concentrated in the local market and Arab countries, Egypt is already beginning to penetrate the European market. Ashraf projects that within five to seven years, a critical mass of volume will be reached, capable of competing with other origins. The Egyptian export window extends from October to January, a period in which the country can take advantage of lower production and logistical costs, with stable connections to the United Kingdom and the European Union via weekly routes.

PICO is leading this strategy with an ambitious expansion plan that aims to make avocados one of Egypt's main export crops. The company, the first to cultivate this fruit in the country, is encouraging more producers to join the sector's development to transform Egypt into a significant international supplier. As part of this initiative, PICO will participate in Fruit Attraction in Madrid, reinforcing the promotion of Egyptian avocados at one of the most important showcases for the fruit and vegetable industry.

Source: freshplaza.es