Packaging costs in Egypt have risen by around 45%

Egyptian exporters of all crops are complaining about soaring costs this season, the packaging costs in particular. Mohamed Ali, co-founder of the packaging manufacturer FreshDeal, explains the reasons for this increase, as well as trends in Egypt’s agricultural packaging sector.

Ali says: “Recently, many exporters have felt the strain of packaging costs, as these are passed on throughout the supply chain. For our part, this increase is attributed to increasing raw material prices and production expenses. Compared to last year, packaging costs in Egypt have risen by around 45%.” The manufacturer continues: “At FreshDeal, we’re doing our best to combat inflation by optimizing our supply chain, improving production efficiency, and exploring cost-effective, sustainable packaging options to keep prices as stable as possible.”

Trends among Egyptian exporters continue to shift increasingly towards sustainable, environmentally-friendly packaging solutions, FreshPlaza writes. A strategic choice in recent years, according to Ali. “Our customers are showing a growing preference for materials that minimize environmental impact, such as FSC®-certified paper and eco-friendly inks.”

Read also: Plastic-free packaging for apples, potatoes and citrus fruits launched

The manufacturer says he’s focusing on the grape industry, a dynamic market this year: “We’re proud to be a key player in sustainable packaging, manufacturing over 5 million paper bags, specifically designed for Egyptian grape exporters. These bags, made from biodegradable paper and eco-friendly inks, meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly packaging in European Union markets. Our efforts do not only help Egyptian exporters meet stringent EU standards but also reinforce our commitment to reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices in the packaging industry. In addition, we have successfully collaborated with major European companies to supply our grape bags during this season.”