MADRID: The slow Spanish season, caused by adverse weather conditions in the area, has driven up the demand for Egyptian oranges”, says Omar. “There is an increase in demand from countries such as Ireland, Denmark and Poland.”
Omar, Sales and Marketing Manager at this Rotterdam-based producer and importer of fruits and vegetables not native to the Netherlands, says Egyptian oranges prices have been affected by several factors. “Fluctuations in Egyptian economic conditions and local governmental regulations, where subsidies have been stopped, have had resulted in increased fuel prices”, he explains.
“Subsequently, there was a surge in labour and packaging material costs. This, in turn, affected the prices of Egyptian oranges. Added to this, the Ministry of Agriculture recently launched a campaign focusing on pest control. This is to bring the level of standards up to meet all the different demands and regulations.”
He goes on to say that Egyptian oranges are in demand in many countries across the globe. “These include the Netherlands Germany, Romania and Poland as well as China, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Russia.” Spica also imports Navels and Valencia Citrus in all sizes according to seasonal availability.
Spica does not currently offer organic Citrus, but Omar says there are plans in the pipeline to do so in the future.
