Egypt Launches Major Blueberry Cultivation in Wadi El-Natrun

Egypt has made a significant move towards large-scale blueberry production with the recent launch of a commercial cultivation initiative in Wadi El-Natrun. The project is spearheaded by Cairo 3A for Agriculture and marks the entry of the nation into the blueberry market.

Investment and Expansion Plans

The first phase of the blueberry cultivation project involves an investment of EGP 442.2 million, approximately €12 million. This initiative aligns with Cairo 3A’s strategy to diversify into high-value, export-oriented crops.

Location and Agricultural Benefits

• Region: Wadi El-Natrun, located about 100 km northwest of Cairo in the Nile Delta.
• Soil Composition: The area features fertile sandy and loamy soil.
• Irrigation: An effective irrigation system supports optimal fruit cultivation.
• Climate: The favorable climate enhances the growth conditions for blueberries.

The official kickoff of activities was confirmed during a visit by leadership from Cairo 3A, highlighting infrastructure, cultivation models, and phased expansion plans.

Phased Approach and Project Scale

The blueberry project is planned to unfold in three phases. The total investment for the entire project is expected to exceed EGP 1.7 billion (around €47.3 million). The complete project spans approximately 231 hectares.

• Phase One: 63 hectares, targeted for 2025.
• Phase Two: 84 hectares, scheduled for 2026.
• Phase Three: Another 84 hectares, expected in 2027.

Once fully operational, the project aims to achieve an annual production capacity of around 8,000 tons. The anticipated yearly revenue may reach up to €68.8 million after all phases are completed.

Market Focus and Collaborations

Ali El Gameel, CEO of the horticulture sector at Cairo 3A, underscored that this project reflects the group’s broader expansion strategy toward export markets. Collaborations with international partners are integral to its success.

Berry World is engaged as the breeder, while Berry World and Agriventure will manage marketing activities. The cultivation will primarily target the European Union and the United Kingdom, regions known for their stringent quality criteria.

Impact on Egypt’s Blueberry Market

El Gameel pointed out that Egypt is still in the early stages of commercial blueberry production, with current outputs mainly from small to medium-sized enterprises. The new initiative aims to boost Egypt’s global presence in the fresh blueberry market.

By ensuring consistent high-quality volumes, the project seeks to establish reliability and sustainability in production. In addition, it will facilitate export growth, diversify the agricultural sector, and introduce new export categories.

Cairo 3A plans to continue investing in agro-infrastructure and international partnerships to enhance both the blueberry project and the broader agricultural export landscape in Egypt.