From October to May, Egypt supplies Europe while European fields are out of season. For oranges, Navel exports open when the Export Council announces the opening (15 December in each of the last two seasons) and run to 1 March; Valencia ships fresh January–May, then from cold storage to the end of August. Oranges ship in full 40 ft reefers only and are never loaded with mandarins or lemons; other mixed containers are agreed per request.
Last updated: October 2026
Why Egypt Works as Europe’s Counter-Season Origin
- Timing: the Nile Valley and Delta produce citrus, strawberries, potatoes and vegetables through the European winter.
- Cost base: Egyptian growing and packing costs are competitive against other Mediterranean origins, especially on citrus, onions, potatoes and beans.
- Breadth: a wide range from one origin. Combining products in one container is agreed per request; see the mixed produce containers guide.
Month by Month: What Is in Season October–May
| Month | Citrus | Other products in season |
|---|---|---|
| October | Lemons (from the end of September) | Pomegranates, sweet potatoes, guava, dates, spring onions, herbs |
| November | Navel contracts from early November; lemons | Pomegranates, sweet potatoes, green beans, capsicum, salad onions |
| December | Navel exports open with the Export Council’s announcement; mandarin exports open early to mid December; lemons | Strawberries, green beans, peas, lettuce, herbs |
| January | Navel; Valencia fresh from January; mandarins; lemons | Strawberries, green beans, artichokes, cauliflower |
| February | Navel (exports run to 1 March); Valencia; mandarins; lemons | Strawberries, new-crop potatoes, artichokes, fresh garlic |
| March | Valencia; lemons | New potatoes, strawberries (tail), green garlic, spring onions, carrots |
| April | Valencia (best quality January–April); lemons | Potatoes, onions, cantaloupe, courgette, beetroot |
| May | Valencia (last month of fresh fruit; from cold storage after May); lemons | Potatoes, onions, early grapes, cantaloupe, capsicum |
Navel contracts start in early November; exports open when the Export Council announces the opening (15 December in each of the last two seasons) and run to 1 March. Navel quality is best early in the season. Valencia ships fresh January–May, then from cold storage to the end of August, subject to the Export Council’s notice. Valencia quality is best January–April. For the full year, see the Egyptian produce seasons calendar.
EU Entry Basics: What Your Container Must Carry
- Phytosanitary certificate issued by Egyptian plant quarantine for every fresh consignment.
- MRL compliance: EU maximum residue limits are strict. Fungicides are used within each destination country’s limits, and residue analysis is done at an accredited lab, with the result within 24 hours.
- TRACES pre-notification: your EU customs agent lodges the CHED-PP entry in TRACES before arrival at the border control post.
- Marketing standards: citrus, strawberries and several vegetables must meet EU quality classes and labelling (origin, class, size code) on every carton.
- Certifications buyers ask for: Global G.A.P. at farm level is effectively the ticket to supermarket programs; BRCGS/ISO 22000 at the packhouse strengthens retail deals.
- Preferential tariffs: the EU–Egypt Association Agreement gives many Egyptian products reduced or zero duty, claimed with the EUR.1 movement certificate.
The full paperwork walkthrough is in our export documents and shipping guide.
Delivery terms: CFR / CIF to your port, or FOB Egypt.
Egypt vs Spain vs Morocco: When Egypt Fits
| Product line | Egypt’s position vs Spain/Morocco | When Egypt fits |
|---|---|---|
| Oranges (Navel/Valencia) | Competitive on cost, with commercial grade Class I and Class II in Peivana cartons | Navel early in the season; Valencia January–April for best quality |
| Strawberries | Strong early. Egypt starts Nov–Dec, before Huelva volume peaks | Nov–Feb window; by Mar–Apr Spanish/Moroccan proximity advantage takes over for ultra-fresh |
| New potatoes | Very strong. Classic Egyptian export to Europe | Jan–May, before local new crops |
| Green beans | Competitive. Morocco and Kenya are rivals | Winter months, especially for sea-freight fine beans |
| Onions & garlic | Strong. Spring onions and dry golden onions land before EU harvest | Feb–Jun gap before European crops |
| Tomatoes/cucumbers | Weaker. Morocco’s truck access and Dutch glasshouses dominate | Rarely |
| Sweet potatoes | Strong in EU supply | Sep–Apr |
The pattern: Egypt fits where cost, early timing and sea-freight tolerance matter; Spain and Morocco fit truck-fresh, last-minute replenishment. Many importers run both.
Oranges and Mixed Containers for Europe
| Case | Rule |
|---|---|
| Oranges with mandarins or lemons | Not loaded together |
| Oranges with any other product | On request, subject to approval |
| Oranges on their own | Full 40 ft reefer only (1,664 cartons of 15 kg = 24.96 t), including trial orders |
There is no fixed mix. Each mixed container is built around the buyer’s request, and each combination is agreed case by case against the carrying temperature and ventilation each product needs, then confirmed after approval.
Full orange specification on the Peivana oranges page. Newer buyers can read the mid-size importer guide.
FAQ: Counter-Season Produce from Egypt to Europe
When is the Egyptian counter-season window for Europe?
Roughly October to May. It opens with pomegranates, sweet potatoes and lemons in autumn, runs through citrus, strawberries and winter vegetables, and closes with Valencia oranges, potatoes and onions in April–May.
When do Egyptian oranges ship to Europe?
Navel contracts start in early November; exports open when the Export Council announces the opening (15 December in each of the last two seasons) and run to 1 March. Navel quality is best early in the season. Valencia ships fresh January–May, then from cold storage to the end of August, subject to the Export Council’s notice. Valencia quality is best January–April.
Can oranges go in a mixed container?
Oranges are never loaded with mandarins or lemons. Any other mixed container that includes oranges is on request, subject to approval. Otherwise oranges ship in full 40 ft reefers, including trial orders.
Does Egyptian produce meet EU pesticide rules?
Fungicides are used within each destination country’s limits, and residue analysis is done at an accredited lab, with the result within 24 hours. Global G.A.P. certification is standard on serious export farms.
Ask for today’s price for your October–May programme
Tell us your products, grade, packing and destination port, and ask for today’s price. Email: [email protected]