Egypt has emerged as the top exporter of fresh strawberries to Kazakhstan, surpassing previous records and competitors. In the 2022/23 marketing year (July-June), Egypt’s strawberry exports to Kazakhstan skyrocketed to 280 tons, a dramatic increase from the 5 to 23 tons annually reported over the previous four years, according to Yevhen Kuzin, a fruit and vegetable market analyst at EastFruit.
By the end of the 2023/24 marketing year, Egypt solidified its leading position, exporting nearly 1,400 tons of fresh strawberries to Kazakhstan. This impressive figure accounts for over 55% of Kazakhstan’s total strawberry imports, surpassing the combined volume of all other exporting countries.
Kuzin notes that Egypt’s success highlights its rapid diversification in fruit and vegetable exports, driven by rising demand for off-season products in Central Asia. The country has managed to outpace competitors like Azerbaijan and Turkey, which are geographically closer to Kazakhstan, in just two years.
While Egypt’s fruit and vegetable exports have traditionally focused on the EU, the Middle East, and Russia, there is a growing emphasis on alternative markets in Asia. Beyond Kazakhstan and Central Asia, Egypt is gradually increasing its presence in Southeast Asia and is making strides in the frozen berry markets of Japan and China.
Asian importers will have the chance to explore further collaboration with Egyptian suppliers at the Asia Fruit Logistica exhibition in Hong Kong, scheduled from September 4-6. The event will include direct meetings with exporters and a dedicated session of the Asia Fruit Congress, focusing on Egypt’s market opportunities in the region.