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Early Harvest in Egypt

Table grape production in Egypt is geographically spread over different growing regions. The production of early to late-ripening grapes enables the prolonged availability of fresh table grapes to the market. The early entry to the UK and European market is usually marked with an advantageous period as there is usually low amount or no fresh grapes available at that time. Last week, ARRA representatives in Egypt, Ali Shahata and Eng. Fayez Dowidar alongside Andre Vermaak, Grapa’s Global Tech Support Advisor, were busy visiting the ARRA vineyards in the different growing areas, with great anticipation for the harvest, already on the go for some varieties.  

Ali notes: The first shipment of grapes left Egypt to Europe this season on May 6th, and we know that grapes from India and Chile are still in the markets in Europe, but the quality of Egyptian grapes will guarantee them a good place in the markets.” Ali and Fayez support the growth and development of the ARRA project in Egypt, organizing and facilitating the operation to reach its full potential in the region.

Dream Team: Andre Vermaak, Ali Shahata and Eng. Fayez Dowidar (From left to right)
Dream Team: Andre Vermaak, Ali Shahata and Eng. Fayez Dowidar (From left to right)
ARRA Passion Fire at Blue Nile with Andre Vermaak
ARRA Passion Fire at Blue Nile with Andre Vermaak

One of the secrets to the success of Egyptian growers is maintaining the perfect balance between high fruit quality and harvest timing at ideal sugar levels. In addition, this balance is kept with relatively high yields, resulting in notable profitability. Ali further notes: “The grape harvest season in Egypt began earlier this year, about 10 days early compared to last year. Fertility this season is good for all varieties, whether early, mid, or late. The production level is higher than the previous season, the sizes are good, and no weight problems have been detected so far”.

Andre also estimates that it looks like Egypt is going to have excellent produce, especially during June.

Always Early & Sweet

Andre says that the Early Sweet™ he saw during his visit was of amazing quality, featuring a nice bunch size, good berry structure, and crispy texture.

Andre explains that the growers need to choose the right timing for the harvest according to the European & UK markets’ supply of grapes from other origins, while not affecting the produce quality. As so, some growers already harvested and exported their produce, and some will do so during this week or the following. 

Andre’s history with Early Sweet started over 20 years ago when Shachar Karniel, the breeder of the variety, introduced it to him. Andre recalls he immediately recognized its vast potential and was the first to plant it in Namibia. Since then, the Early Sweet plantation has been expanding like a “snowball”, now being one of the biggest varieties in the country, producing over a million boxes. This well-established variety is the first to ripen during the season, opening the gate to newer white varieties such as ARRA Honey Pop™.

Early Sweet at Pico
Early Sweet at Pico
Early Sweet packing at Pico
Early Sweet packing at Pico
Early Sweet Harvest at EgyFarm
Early Sweet Harvest at EgyFarm
Early Sweet Harvest at EgyFarm
Early Sweet Harvest at EgyFarm
Early Sweet at Blue Nile
Early Sweet at Blue Nile
Early Sweet packing at Blue Nile
Early Sweet packing at Blue Nile

New generation: ARRA Honey Pop™

This is the second year we are seeing commercial crops in Egypt and the results are splendid.

Andre notes the ARRA Honey Pop is showing high potential, and its harvest will probably start also at the end of May. The important features of ARRA Honey Pop its low labor costs, high yield, and taste quality.

Click here to learn more about ARRA Honey Pop

ARRA Honey Pop at Technogreen
ARRA Honey Pop at Technogreen
ARRA Honey Pop at Technogreen
ARRA Honey Pop at Technogreen
ARRA Honey Pop at FATA
ARRA Honey Pop at FATA
ARRA Honey Pop at FATA
ARRA Honey Pop at FATA

When the ARRA Passion is on Fire

Andre Vermaak mentions that the ARRA Passion Fire™ is looking very good, highlighting its extremely firm texture. The color covers now about 70-80%, and the harvest is planned to start either in the last week of May or the first week of June. Watch the magic happen in your own eyes in the video and images below.

ARRA Passion Fire at Pico
ARRA Passion Fire at Pico
ARRA Passion Fire at Nile International
ARRA Passion Fire at Nile International
ARRA Passion Fire at Blue Nile
ARRA Passion Fire at Blue Nile
ARRA Passion Fire at Pico
ARRA Passion Fire at Pico
ARRA Passion Fire at Pico
ARRA Passion Fire at Pico

Drops of happiness with ARRA Sugar Drop™

Andre Vermaak flattered the ARRA Sugar Drop for being very crispy, and how its berries “just crack in your mouth”, as you witness in the video below.

ARRA Sugar Drop Technogreen
ARRA Sugar Drop Technogreen
ARRA Sugar Drop at Blue Nile
ARRA Sugar Drop at Blue Nile

Egypt Throwback

Last year, the Grapa team in Egypt organized ARRA field days presenting the newest generation of ARRA Varieties. Enjoy a recap of the ARRA Egypt experience.

Click below to see other articles in our newsletter:​

ARRA Cherry Crush™

The Crush Everyone’s talking about!

Tony Calvillo, Vice President of International Business Development, Dayka & Hackett LLC, shared: “Today, we visited the ARRA Cherry Crush—a grape variety that exceeds the expectations of growers, consumers, and retailers alike. We are thrilled to witness its remarkable potential. Boasting an alluring cherry colour, impressive size, abundant production, and a perfect balance of taste and crunch, ARRA Cherry Crush creates a mutually beneficial scenario for discerning producers, consumers, and retailers.”

ARRA Fire Crunch™

Igniting the senses

Just in time for the festive season, the inaugural batch of ARRA Fire Crunch™ made its way from Peru to the USA. Karl Conrads, founder, CEO of Grapasa accompanied the first year vines from budbreak all the way to Walmart facilities in Los Angeles.

Don’t miss the footage, showing this landmark arrival, now the sky’s the limit.

ARRA Passion Fire™

Sharing the passion – Right now in Southern Africa:

“It’s a great, beautiful grape, we are having a great time packing it.” shares Gabriel Viljoen of G.P. Viljoen Farming

We’ve heard other growers excited about this year’s performance.

“The ARRA Passion Fire was probably the most beautiful red grapes around on our farms.”

ARRA Fire Kiss™

Start the season with a Kiss

This year, attendees got a firsthand look at ARRA Fire Kiss™ in Egypt. What stood out was how distinctly different it was from the Flame, leaving no doubt that it is the perfect Flame replacement.