While mangos are prevalent in Egypt on the domestic market, not many exporters have tried shipping them to Europe. Pico, an Egyptian fresh produce exporter, has started shipping mangos to the United Kingdom along with avocados.
“The United Kingdom is the biggest market for us in Europe, and it's the one we first started exporting to in Europe in 1988,” said Alaa Diab of Pico. “We send them strawberries, grapes and top fruit, and now we're adding mangos and avocados to the mix.” Pico started with sending one container to Marks and Spencer last season, and the reception was good. Diab hopes to increase shipments of both commodities until they reach substantial volumes in 2017. The mango varieties they've sent are Keitt and Kent, and the avocado varieties include green skinned and black skinned types.
Pico's grape export season has started well, with good prices in Europe for Egyptian grapes. Part of the reason for that good start was the early exit of Indian grapes, which left an open market for Egyptian fruit.
“India leaving early was a big part of the good start to the season, but it's also been due to better quality, consistent programs and good relationships with retailers,” said Diab. “You never know how the season is going to end, but we're hoping for the best.”
