Egypt Announces Official Start of the 2025/2026 Egypt Orange Export Season: What Buyers Need to Know

Egypt has officially confirmed the launch date of the 2025/2026 orange export season, marking a significant moment for global citrus markets and for all importers working with Egyptian Valencia and Navel oranges. The Central Administration of Plant Quarantine at the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation announced that orange shipments will begin on December 15, 2025, with raw fruit permitted to enter accredited packinghouses starting December 10, 2025.

This announcement, coordinated with the Agricultural Export Council (AEC) and the National Food Safety Authority (NFSA), signals one of the most important annual milestones for the international fresh produce industry.

Why This Year’s Start Date Matters

The timing of Egypt’s citrus season is critical for international buyers, especially in markets that depend on Egypt as the world’s #1 exporter of oranges. With nearly 1.99 million tons of citrus exported last season, expectations are high for another strong performance.

Key reasons this date is strategically important:

• Global supply demand balance:
  The December 15 start positions Egypt advantageously as Spain, Morocco, and South Africa adjust their seasonal overlap.
• Shipping planning:
  Importers rely on early confirmation to secure reefer space, especially with rising freight pressures in the Mediterranean and Red Sea corridors.
• Quality assurance:
  Early maturity checks and official control help maintain Egypt’s global reputation for uniform color, sweetness, and high Brix levels.
• Stronger compliance & market confidence:
  Authorities have implemented tighter coordination across inspection, traceability, and sampling—giving international markets stronger guarantees than before.

Capacity Building: A Strong Signal for Stricter Quality & Compliance

In preparation for the new season, the Central Administration of Plant Quarantine launched a capacity-building program through the EU-ZIRA3A project, training 48 inspectors on:

• visual inspection techniques
• MRLs compliance and GlobalG.A.P alignment
• sampling procedures based on international standards
• identification of quarantine pests
• strengthened documentation and traceability protocols

This step reinforces Egypt’s commitment to high-performance export governance, aligning the citrus sector with EU and global regulatory expectations.

For buyers, this means tighter quality filters, reduced risk, and more consistent shipments.

What Buyers Should Expect in the 2025/2026 Season

Based on industry discussions, farm visits, and exporter-level insights, this season is expected to showcase:

• Strong demand for Valencia oranges
  as the staple of Egypt’s export program.
• More competition for certified fruit
  due to international retailers requiring strict compliance.
• Packinghouse capacity pressure early in the season
  as exporters race to secure slots from December 10 onward.
• Steady improvement in product consistency
  because of the newly trained quarantine inspectors and tightened standards.

Importers planning early orders should coordinate allocations as soon as possible to ensure preferred sizes (especially 72–80–88 counts).

How Select Greens Is Preparing for the 2025/2026 Season

At Select Greens, we align our operational roadmap with Egypt’s official export calendar, and the newly confirmed dates allow us to activate our seasonal strategy with full clarity.

Our preparation framework includes:

1. Early Packhouse Booking

We secure accredited packing windows from December 10 to guarantee uninterrupted supply during peak demand.

2. Advanced Quality Testing

Tests, analysis, and maturity assessments are taking place in coordination with certified laboratories.

3. Strengthened Traceability & Documentation

All shipments follow an enhanced compliance pack including: Phytosanitary certificates, approvals, farm data and lab reports for each batch

4. Priority Allocation for Contracted Buyers

Buyers who confirm their weekly/monthly programs early receive priority on calibers, packaging, and shipment planning.

5. Expanded Logistics Planning

We secure reefer space in advance as critical advantage as freight markets tighten globally.

Why This Announcement Is Good News for Global Importers

With clear season dates, improved inspector training, and strong government coordination, Egypt is entering the new season with:

• higher compliance
• more structured supply
• deeper market readiness
• increased international confidence

This creates a more transparent and predictable environment for buyers worldwide.

Egyptian oranges; especially Valencia are expected to maintain their global leadership through consistent quality and competitive value.

Plan Your Orange Program with Select Greens

With the official season dates confirmed, we are now collecting buyer forecasts and weekly/monthly allocations.

Whether you require Navel or Valencia oranges, private-label packing, specialized calibers, or structured long-term programs, Select Greens is ready to support your supply chain with:

• ✔ Consistent supply with strict quality control
• ✔ Tailored packaging & private label programs
• ✔ Professional handling & full logistics support
• ✔ Clause A reefer insurance
• ✔ Long-term partnerships built on trust

For allocation planning or early-season inquiries, contact the Select Greens team to reserve your upcoming shipment slots.
export@SelectGreens.eg
+201016007773