Egypt: Planted garlic area doubled
According to EastFruit, following the usual cyclicality of garlic acreage, and after a limited area last season, growers have this year doubled the area of garlic in Egypt. One grower says, “Last season was very good, with very high local and international demand. As a result, many growers have decided to grow garlic this season.
Doubling the acreage means a return to normal production since, last season, garlic acreage in Egypt was halved on the season before. The next season starts in March and growers expect high demand. To supply the Egyptian market, importers are sourcing garlic from China. One importer says, “Chinese prices are currently good, and we’re able to import good sizes and shapes of garlic, although the taste is less marked than Egyptian garlic, but the local market accepts it.”
According to GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW GARLIC, the garlic supply chain faces a few challenges with lower and slower stock movement from major producers like China and Spain. This deficit has driven prices up, with importers emphasizing quality as a key market differentiator. South American supply comes from Peru, Argentina and Chile. Prices are high in Europe with variable demand from countries in the union, ranging from high to below average in Germany for example. Italy’s in sowing mode, with imports dominating at the moment. The Netherlands has highly priced Chinese garlic coming in. France is seeing good garlic demand.
North America will see supply coming from Argentina. In South Africa garlic prices are under pressure due to high volumes from local and overseas suppliers.
Peru: Sustained growth with focus on quality and new markets
The Peruvian garlic campaign has been characterized by a 30-40% increase in prices compared to the previous year. This rise was driven by a reduced cultivated area (7,000 hectares compared to the usual 10,000) and higher productivity due to La Niña, which provided cold conditions ideal for cultivation. The main export destinations have been Mexico, the United States, and Australia, with an average price of $37 per 10-kg box, up from $25 last year. Peruvian garlic quality has been praised, and local companies are investing in modern processing facilities to strengthen competitiveness.
Chile: Strategic supplier in key commercial windows
Chile has reported improved garlic quality this year, attributed to an increase in chilling hours (from 400 last year to over 800 this year), although yields decreased by 10%. Prices have risen by 40% compared to last year, ranging from $3.20 to $3.50 per kilogram. Mexico remains the primary destination market, with shipments focused on filling the commercial gap from December to March when Mexican garlic is unavailable. Chile also benefits from less restrictive phytosanitary measures than competitors like Argentina, further solidifying its market position.
Argentina: Adjusting to economic and climate challenges
Argentina faces significant challenges due to high temperatures and production costs. While prices have increased by 15% to 20%, production decreased by 20-30% due to adverse climatic conditions. Brazil is its main market, absorbing 80% of exports. Local economic issues and stringent export regulations to Mexico, such as the use of maleic hydrazide, have increased costs. However, the sector is improving its processes, including cold storage, to extend product availability.