Strawberries market in Egypt

Earlier Report Observations

The Egyptian strawberry market volume grew from 424 thousand tons in 2018 to 515 thousand tons in 2019. This initial expansion was propelled by a sector-wide shift to 'Fresh' strawberry seedlings, which enabled earlier harvests starting in November and allowed Egyptian producers to meet European standards, unlocking access to key export markets in Europe, America, and the Arab region.

Following a decline to 421 thousand tons in 2020, the market rebounded strongly to 642 thousand tons in 2021. This recovery and subsequent growth to 859 thousand tons by 2023 were driven by the continued expansion of protected cultivation, which increased overall yields, and strategic investments in agricultural technology that enhanced competitiveness. The opening of new export destinations, notably Uzbekistan through a streamlined digital phytosanitary system, further stimulated production for both domestic and international supply.

By 2024, Egypt had solidified its position as a world leader in frozen strawberry exports, capturing over a quarter of the global market. This external success was underpinned by sustained domestic production growth, supported by advanced farming techniques and a diversified export strategy targeting markets across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

Production strawberries in Egypt

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt held the fifth position globally in strawberry production.

Top producers of strawberries, 2017-2020

World map of production of strawberries, 2017-2020

Egypt's strawberry production saw a two-year increase before declining. In 2020, the country produced 438.7 thousand tonnes of strawberries, marking a 19.5% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 37.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 11.2%. The peak was reached in 2019 at 545.3 thousand tonnes, while the largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018 at 39.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Egypt in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports strawberries from Egypt

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Egypt exported 17,593 tonnes of strawberries, a 42.5% drop compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 27.8%, with an average annual decline of 10.3%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 30,619 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 44.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Egypt in kind, 2017-2020, t

An analysis of export volumes from 2017 to 2020 reveals a wide distribution across numerous markets. Belgium accounted for 21.2% of exports, Germany for 15.1%, and Saudi Arabia for 10.6%, together making up 46.9% of total flows. The remaining 53.1% went to other trading partners.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Egypt in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, the value of strawberry exports from Egypt totaled 82,272 thousand US dollars, down 5.1% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value decreased by 8.6%, with an average annual decline of 2.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 73,697 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest drop of 18.1%. In contrast, 2019 saw the biggest increase at 17.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Egypt in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

An analysis of export values from 2017 to 2020 shows a broad distribution across many markets. Belgium represented 21.2% of export value, Germany 14.9%, and Saudi Arabia 10.6%, collectively accounting for 46.8% of total flows. The remaining 53.2% was distributed among other partners.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Egypt in value, 2017-2020

Imports strawberries to Egypt

Imports in kind, t

Egypt's strawberry import volumes declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 3 tonnes, a sharp year-on-year decrease of 85.2%. Between 2018 and 2020, imports fell by 96.1%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 66.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Egypt in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands accounted for 9.7% of strawberry import volumes to Egypt, Thailand for 3.8%, and South Africa for 2.3%. Together, these three countries represented 15.8% of total imports, making them the primary sources.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Egypt in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of strawberry imports to Egypt declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import value totaled 14 thousand US dollars, reflecting an 82.6% year-on-year drop. Over the 2018-2020 period, import value decreased by 95.3%, with an average annual decline of 63.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Egypt in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands accounted for 10.4% of strawberry import value to Egypt, Thailand for 3.8%, and South Africa for 2.3%. These three markets together represented 16.5% of total import flows, remaining the key sources in value terms.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Egypt in value, 2017-2020