Egypt consolidates as key food export partner at Anuga 2019

The delegation gathered 96 Egyptian export companies which covered a total of 1.260m2 divided in four different areas: the country pavilion and the halls for frozen foods, beverages and dairy products. A record participation that the Egyptian authorities consider was very successful. The Egyptian processed food exports had already achieved 2 billons USD during the period from January to August 2019, which throws a very promising forecast for this year.
 
According to Manar Nasr, Executive Director at the Food Export Council, “We are delighted with our participation at the trade show. We had business meetings with top decision makers and high quality buyers. Anuga is the perfect opportunity to showcase the Egyptian food offer to the world and increase our exports, to improve and grow as key commercial partner.” The German fair is a business platform that the Egyptian companies appreciate, “the number of Egyptian firms that participate has increased year after year. In fact, we have a waiting list of companies who want to participate in Anuga show with us and we’re looking forward to having more exhibiting space in future editions”, explains.

The continuous efforts of the Egyptian Food Export Council and the other Egyptian entities got fruitful results during Anuga. In 2018 the Egyptian processed food exports reached 2,8 billions USD, with 3% growth over last year. Furthermore, as the Food
Export Council declares, the Egyptian processed food exports had already achieved 2 billons USD during the period from January to August 2019, which throws a very promising forecast for this year.

Main processed foods exports
The frozen fruits and vegetables are ranked #1 of the Egyptian food export products, with strawberry as the leading frozen product. According to Nasr, “Egypt was the second supplier of strawberries to Germany in 2017 and ranked the 4th supplier in the world”. “95% of our frozen products destinations are Arab countries, Europe and the United States”, explains Mohamed Kamal, Export Director at Cold Alex. Next in second and third position, we find edible herbs and spices together with food preparations.

“Consumers have great interest in Egyptian spices. 95% of our production have a destination abroad” says Bishara A. Sirafim, Spice Kingdom CEO. Also, Egyptian dates are one of the iconic products in Egypt. “The Egyptian dates are a worldwide success and we export 100% of our production due to the great demand outside Egypt” explains Rawya El Masry, Key Account Manager at Orient Group.

Furthermore, the trade show visitors could also taste the following Egyptian delicacies: dairy products, juices and concentrates, flours and yeasts, pastas, snacks, oils and olive oils, canned and preserved fruits and vegetables, marmalades, halva and tahini, honey and sweeteners, cooking preparation and baking products, tomato puree and sauces, pulses and grains, peanuts, breakfast cereals, cereal bars and instant beverages.

Hot instant beverages are the expertise of Misr Café, a company that was pioneer for this type of product in the Middle East. Focused on the production of instant teas and coffees that are 100% natural, Misr Café was one of the first Egyptian firms export instant hot beverages. According to Mounir M. Abdel Meguid, Misr Café’s Board Executive Director, the company is currently exporting to more than 40 countries around the world being a clear example of the export potential of Egyptian processed foods.

Key role for women
This year the delegation from the Mediterranean country included more women than ever before showing how more Egyptian women are stepping up to managerial positions in the food sector. “Year after year women are leading more new businesses in Egypt” explains Riham El Aasar, Managing Director and Owner of Mom’s Food. “I personally believe that Egyptian women have successfully proven their positive contribution to the Egyptian economy. They have a good eye to spot new business opportunities”, says Nihal Said, Managing Director at Kemet and one of the first entrepreneur women in the Egyptian food industry. Also Marwa Kobt, Export Director at Arab Dairy considers that “the number of women at managerial positions is increasing remarkably in Egypt”.

Also the Egyptian leading trade fair in the food processing sector, Food Africa has many women amongst the top organizers. This trade show, which will take place from the 9th to the 11th of December in 2019, will have more than 350 exhibitors, including 160 Egyptian companies.

Press releases: Mint Global

Read more: