Egyptian fruit supplier Medest Fruits is preparing sales of its early table grape varieties as the season kicks off with consignments planned for Russia, the Far East and Eastern European markets.

Medest’s export schedule includes shipments to Latvia, Russia, Slovenia and the key European markets, particularly the U.K, as the shipper concentrates on diversifying its supply and promoting Egyptian grapes globally.

Part of the plan is to expand in Asia and the company is keeping a close eye on the Far East which is gathering pace, according to Medest export specialist Bassant Gamal.

The first containers are hitting the water en route to Malaysia next week and there will be continued supply to Kuala Lumpur throughout the season.

"Production looks solid at the moment but seeing as we work with very many grape farmers around the country, I can’t predict the total volumes as it’s too early in the season to tell," she tells www.freshfruitportal.com.

"However, we are ready with the early varieties such as Early Sweet and Flame Seedless; the quality and sizing is very good.

"We’ve been receiving interest from all over the world, but we’re looking at Europe as a very important market, the Eastern European countries are becoming much more interested and the Far East and Russia is dominating."

The Russian Federation can absorb large quantities of Egyptian grapes and Medest is working on securing contracts with importers and working out the best shipping lines to keep supply going throughout the season.

"Supply is expected to last until the middle of August, ending with the Crimson variety in late summer or early fall so we can supply from now onwards with consistent quality.

"We are seeing more customers from Eastern Europe, places like Slovenia and Latvia, and of course the Russian market is very good because of its population; Egyptian grapes are in favor with the Russians."

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www.freshfruitportal.com