Price of Egyptian garlic has tripled, yet remains cheaper than the competition

The Egyptian garlic campaign is about to come to an end, earlier than usual. This is because stocks are drying up as international demand soars, according to Ralph Nakhal of the growing company Tomna.

Ralph says: "The harvest ended in April and we are currently shipping dry garlic. It looks like we will stop very soon, there is very little supply."

Egypt started the season with only half its usual garlic area, compared to the previous season. Similarly, global supply has been low this season, which has pushed up prices. Ralph says: "Prices have more than tripled since the start of the season. The main reason for this is the low area cultivated in Egypt, coupled with low supply of garlic and high prices in Spain, as well as limited imports of Chinese garlic into Egypt."

Although the price of Egyptian garlic has risen considerably, it is still cheaper than the competition. It is for instance cheaper than garlic from Spain, Mexico, or Argentina, according to Ralph.

Faced with limited supply this season, European buyers have fallen back on Egyptian garlic, and the European market has maintained steady high demand throughout the season, adds Ralph.

The producer predicts an increase in the acreage of Egyptian garlic from next season and adds: "but all also depends on the cost of rent, fertilizers and seeds. Garlic farming is expensive compared to the output."