Strawberries and table grapes are two of the most successful Egyptian retail categories. Their seasons complement each other: strawberries from December to May, grapes from May to October. Together they can keep a retail berry-and-grape shelf supplied from one Egyptian partner for most of the year.
Strawberries: December to May
Egypt is a key winter strawberry origin for Europe, the Gulf and Russia. Varieties such as Festival and Fortuna are grown for flavour, colour and firmness. Fruit is picked and packed directly into punnets in the field, then pre-cooled quickly to 0–1 °C.
Retail specification
- Fruit size (e.g. 25–35 mm) and colour at arrival
- Punnet weight — 225 g, 250 g or 400 g — and punnet type
- Outer carton, label and barcode
- Freight: air for maximum shelf life, reefer for nearby markets
Because strawberries are so perishable, programmes are planned backwards from the receiving date: harvest day, pre-cooling, flight or sailing, and delivery to the DC.
Table grapes: May to October
Egypt opens the northern-hemisphere grape season in May, before European harvests. Early Sweet and Superior Seedless come first, followed by Flame, Crimson, Red Globe and Autumn Royal into October.
Retail specification
- Variety and colour (white, red, black)
- Berry size (mm), bunch weight and Brix
- Punnet or clamshell (250 g or 500 g) or bulk carton
- SO₂ pad and liner requirements
Grapes travel at −0.5 to 0 °C with high humidity. SO₂ pads protect against botrytis on longer voyages; their use and strength should follow your retailer’s requirements.
Frozen strawberries for year-round lines
For smoothies, desserts and frozen retail, IQF strawberries from the Egyptian harvest are available all year. Egypt is the world’s largest exporter of frozen strawberries.
Private label
Both categories suit private-label programmes: printed punnets, top labels, carton print and barcodes can be produced in your brand. Artwork, minimum print quantities and lead times should be agreed well before the season starts.
Quality evidence
Ask for lot photos, pulp temperature before loading and temperature recorders in the container. For a new supplier, a short trial with written acceptance criteria is the best way to align expectations.
Frequently asked questions
Should strawberries go by air or by sea?
Air freight gives the longest shelf life on arrival and suits retail. Reefers are possible for nearby markets with short transit times.
Which Egyptian grape arrives first?
Early Sweet and Superior Seedless, from May.
Can grapes and strawberries be packed under our brand?
Yes. Punnets, labels and cartons can carry your brand and barcode.