Egypt has significantly strengthened its role in Italy’s garlic market, boosting exports by 55% in 2025 and setting a new record, according to EastFruit. According to Global Trade Tracker data from Italy’s National Institute of Statistics, Italy imported 2,750 tons of Egyptian garlic last year, valued at more than EUR 4.5 million. Over the past three years, shipments have increased fivefold, with an average annual growth rate of 74%.
Spain remains Italy’s dominant supplier, covering 57% of imports, followed by the Netherlands at 18.7%. Egypt, with an 8% share, secured third place for the second consecutive year, firmly establishing itself among Italy’s leading suppliers.
Italy’s garlic imports continue to rise, reflecting both growing consumer demand and declining domestic production. Egyptian exporters have capitalized on this trend, leveraging competitive pricing and efficient Mediterranean logistics. Once considered a budget option for processing, Egyptian garlic is now widely available in Italian supermarkets, including premium purple varieties.
Exports peak between March and July, with May emerging as the critical month when Dutch supplies fall and local and Spanish garlic are not yet abundant. During this window, Egyptian “wet garlic” dominates, accounting for more than 30% of imports.
Egypt’s share of Italy’s garlic imports has risen steadily, from 2.6% in 2022 to 8% in 2025. Having narrowly entered the top three last year, Egypt has now firmly consolidated its position, leaving competitors behind.
This success in Italy is part of Egypt’s broader expansion strategy. In 2025, the country doubled garlic exports to Brazil, increased shipments to Spain fivefold, and boosted exports to the United States sixfold.
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