Farmex, based in Egypt, has begun shipping its iceberg lettuce to Europe in higher quantities when Spain’s supplies have fallen so low. Most of the Spanish and Egyptian lettuce goes to Greece and Italy. “On top of our regular markets, we have new customers coming in, needing our iceberg lettuce,” says Ahmed Magdy.
The company doesn’t rely on contract farming; instead, it learns what customers in Italy and Greece need, then it responds to that need. Currently, Greece, Italy, Germany and the Netherlands are seeking higher quantities of Egyptian lettuce. This trend began at the start of the new year. "We´ve shipped 100 tons of iceberg lettuce per week to Greece and Italy, combined. This is a thirty percent increase,” related Magdy.
Farmex is taking advantage of more opportunities for Egyptian exporters to ship lettuce to European importers. "Egypt should be given more chances to export lettuce. We can still supply lettuce for few weeks more to Europe."
Yet, if the demand were to continue for a longer period, it would still take forty-five days to grow lettuce again.
The company chooses the fastest transportation method, ensuring that its produce reaches customers in the freshest possible condition.
