Egyptian orange export season guide: Navel and Valencia
When does the Egyptian orange season start, and how do Navel and Valencia differ? A quick guide to choosing the right variety, size and packing.
Egypt is one of the world's largest orange exporters, shipping to the Gulf, Europe, Asia and Russia every season. Because the season is long and covers more than one variety, choosing the right timing and variety makes a real difference to the quality and price of what you receive.
When does the season start?
Export usually opens in December with Navel oranges and runs until around March. Valencia then starts in March and continues until June, which keeps Egyptian oranges available for close to seven months a year.
Navel or Valencia?
- Navel: large, easy to peel and practically seedless. Ideal for fresh eating and supermarket shelves.
- Valencia: higher juice content and a thinner skin. It holds up better in long transit and storage, so juice processors and distant markets prefer it.
Sizes and packing
Oranges are graded by the number of fruit per carton, from 48 (large) to 113 (small). The most requested pack is the 15 kg open-top carton, with 8 kg cartons and private-label packs also available.
Tip: agree on size and colour grade with your supplier before the season starts. The best sizes are booked early.
Shipping
Oranges are pre-cooled after packing and loaded into reefer containers kept at a controlled temperature for the whole voyage. Some markets, such as China and the United States, require cold treatment in transit under the destination's phytosanitary rules.
If you are planning next season's orders, contact us early so we can plan your shipment schedule and sizes.
