Analysis Potatoes
Fry like an Egyptian: The potato powerhouse of the Middle East
In little over fifteen years’ time Egypt, the biggest potato producer in the Middle East, has seen a doubling of their production figure. The country has always been known for their fresh potato export, but it has also seen a significant increase of French fry production and export during the last decade. This has tripled in five years time. A changing world market is creating new opportunities for the Egyptians, whose potato production is showing no signs of slowing down.
Egypt is said to have harvested 7 million tons of potatoes in 2024. If true, this would be 130,670 tons more, +1.9%, than a year ago and nearly 10% more than the five-year average, which is a difference of 630.000 tonnes. The Egyptian potato production crossed the 4 million tonne barrier in 2011 and has never looked back since. In 2016 the 5 million tonne mark was reached and in 2020 the 6 million tonne mark.
French fry export
The country of the Nile is known for its ware and seed potatoes, but its processing industry has seen a quick growth phase during the last five years. In 2024 it exported 191,407 tonnes of French fries. That is 41,314 tonnes more compared to 2023, an increase of 27.5%. The export level has more than tripled in five year’s time.
Biggest buyer of Egyptian produce is neighbouring country Saudi Arabia, which took little over 40,000 tonnes between January and October 2024. This is 2.5 times more than it did in the same period a year earlier. Brazil is following close behind, taking 39,214 tonnes. That is also more than double compared to what was bought in the year previous. Third place is for the USA, which saw a decline of nearly 14%, taking nearly 27,500 tonnes.
Compared to the fresh potato exports, which are said to reach over 1 million tonnes in 2024, the export of processed and deep-frozen potato products is relatively small. However, the country has a strong growth ambition for its industry.
Four seasons
Potatoes can be grown almost year-round in Egypt. There are four different types of cropping periods. The early spring crop is planted in November and December and harvested in March and April. The summer crop – planted in January to March – can be lifted in May and June. This crop accounts for 30% of the total production. Autumn potatoes, planted between August and half October, can be harvested from December to mid-February. This is the biggest crop, taking a 40% share of annual production. This produce is mostly exported or processed. A small amount is planted in October/November and lifted in February as high-value premium potatoes.
This spread-out cultivation means that Egypt can supply fresh potatoes for over half of the year. Cultivation has traditionally been focussing on the Nile Delta and Nile Valley. More recently, the cultivation has moved towards the desert areas. For winter cultivation the climate is suitable, coupled to pivot irrigation systems. Along the Nile the temperatures are more moderate, especially during wintertime.
Growth ambition
The French fry production in the country is around 315,000 tonnes per year, from the five largest processors. By far the largest processor (165,000 tonnes) is Dutch company Farm Frites, which is working together with Americana Group. This UAE-based company has been their chosen partner in French fry production for three decades and it invested heavily in its factory in recent years. In November 2024, both parties agreed to build a completely new factory in Saudi Arabia, with a projected annual production of 70,000 tonnes. Other large players are Fregys, IFCG and Al Bader Group (Frozena). The latter has a significant growth strategy, wanting to increase its production from 30,000 tonnes in 2023 to 150,000 tonnes in 2026. This would make it the second largest player in the country. Most of this production is destined for the export market.
Various processors are increasing the production capacity in their existing factories. The future for potato growing and processing in Egypt is bright, with increased investments in growing and processing. The country is strategically located for export to both the African and Asian continent. Thanks to the ever increasing production costs for European and North American based companies, Egyptian produce is becoming more interesting for buyers across the globe.
Niels van der Boom
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