![[Egypt] Ghabour farms mulls expansion as markets warm up to its fruits](Ghabbour Farms.JPG)
[Egypt] Ghabour farms mulls expansion as markets warm up to its fruits
Fruits and vegetables producing and exporting company Itamco for Agriculture Development, Ghabour Farms, has announced plans to increase exports to African, Eastern Europe and South East Asia markets in coming months as markets express more appetite for its produce.
The company that already exports to European, Asian, Arab and some African countries owns 2,000 acres on the Cairo-Alexandria desert road where it produces lemons, mangoes, grapes, pomegranates, raspberries, strawberries, artichokes, lettuce, cabbages, broccoli, and other vegetables.
According to the head of exports and logistical services in the company Esraa Assaf, the company has set 2017 as the year it will make inroads in these key markets.
For its export operations, the company depends on 20 countries including India, Malaysia, Singapore, Belgium, Bangladesh, the UK, Germany, Sweden, Netherlands, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Nigeria, and South Africa.
Ghabour Farms owns a production line to package grapes with the capacity of 80 tonnes per day. This line has been in operation since 2006, in addition to other lines to package pomegranates, mangos, and strawberries in order to export them to countries around the world.
The company owns many types of grapes in Egypt that meet international standards and are cultivated on an area of 570 acres. Grapes and mangoes represent about 60 per cent of the company’s total production, according to Assaf.
All types of mango trees are cultivated, both foreign and local, on an area of more than 600 acres, whereas fruit seeds are cultivated on an area of 297 acres, including peaches, apricots, and plums.
In 2009, the company began cultivation of pomegranates on an area of 82 acres. It also cultivates citrus fruits, including lemons, on an area of 120 acres, as well as 44 acres of figs and 35 acres of apples.
Assaf revealed that Ghabour Farms exports more than 85% of its total sales. The company aims for the volume of its exports to grow annually, according to its plan.
The company’s strategy enables it to compete globally by meeting foreign markets’ agricultural requirements through modern agricultural practices and food safety.
Ghabour Farms was established in 1991 and is owned by businessman Raouf Ghabour, who is also the founder and chairperson of GB Auto for automobiles.
