IQF Strawberry

Frozen Whole Strawberries – Product Specifications

Botanical Information:

  • Botanical Name: Fragaria ananassa
  • Ingredients: 100% strawberries.
  • Variety: Festival, Fortuna.
  • Quality Grade: Grade A.
  • Origin: Egypt.
  • Calibration: Uncalibrated.

Storage & Shelf Life:

  • Shelf Life: 24 months.
  • Storage Conditions: Dry and deep-frozen at a minimum of -18°C.

General Information:

Product

Frozen, free-rolling whole strawberries, without calyx (stem), not iced or rimy, and free from clumping.

Health & Quality:

Ready for consumption; free from enzymatic/bacterial changes, insects, mold, decay, animal damage, and mineral contamination. Metal detection ensured during production.

Compliance:

▪ Produced in accordance with European legislation and non-GMO.
▪ Meets EU Regulation 852/2004 on food hygiene.
▪ Complies with TR CU 021/2011 “On food safety.

Sensory Characteristics:

  • Colour (Surface): RAL 3000 (flame red) to RAL 3003 (ruby red).
  • Colour (Fruit Flesh): RAL 3018 (strawberry red) to RAL 3031 (orient red).
  • Taste: Typical sweet with a light sourness, ripe.
  • Odour: Fruity, aromatic, fresh.
  • Texture (Frozen): Solid and frozen structure.

Texture (Thawed): Firm and juicy

Egypt’s Frozen Strawberry Export Market Report Summary

Overview: Egypt currently leads the global frozen strawberry export market, accounting for 26% of total exports. This success is driven by increasing global demand, particularly in the U.S. and Canada, for frozen strawberries used in juices, desserts, and concentrates.

  • Global Market Trends:
    • The global frozen strawberry market was valued at $900 million in 2014 and grew to nearly $1.5 billion in 2023.
    • From 2019 to 2023, global demand increased by 4% in both volume and value.
  • Top Importing Countries:
    • The U.S. leads with 24% of global frozen strawberry imports, followed by Germany (9%), France (8%), Canada (5%), and Japan (5%). Together, these countries account for 55% of global imports.
    • The U.S. has seen a 9% increase in the value and 6% increase in the volume of frozen strawberry imports over the last five years.

Egypt’s Export Performance:

  • In 2023, Egypt exported 313,000 tons of frozen strawberries, valued at $336 million, making it the largest global exporter.
    • Other major exporters: Mexico (14% of global exports), Poland (9%), Chile (7%), and China (6%).

Key Importers of Egyptian Frozen Strawberries in 2023:

  1. China – 14% ($46 million)
  2. Germany – 12% ($40 million)
  3. Poland – 9% ($29 million)
  4. Netherlands – 9% ($29 million)
  5. Russia – 8% ($28 million)
  6. U.S. – 5% ($18 million)

2024 Outlook and Growth:

  • In the first seven months of 2024, Egypt’s frozen strawberry exports grew by 25%, reaching $289 million, up from $232 million during the same period in 2023.
  • Export volume also surged by 28%, reaching 269,000 tons.

Top Importers in Early 2024:

  1. China – $37.6 million (13% of total exports)
  2. Germany – $31.3 million
  3. Netherlands – $24.5 million
  4. Poland – $24.3 million
  5. Russia – $19.4 million
  6. U.S. – $24.7 million
  7. Brazil – $16.4 million

Future Projections: According to a report by the “Export Potential Map” from the World Trade Organization, Egypt’s frozen strawberry exports are expected to grow by $186.5 million over the next five years, with significant opportunities in the U.S. ($55 million), Canada ($40 million), and Saudi Arabia ($22 million)