Overview

(Exchange rate used: 1 USD = LE 5.75. Values are in millions of U.S. Dollars. Figures listed are unofficial estimates.)

The total market for food processing equipment in 2007 totaled $570 million with an expected annual growth of 3% during the coming three years.  This increase is due to the country’s ambitious plan to modernize its food processing facilities, targeting exports and the Government’s plan to privatize its public sector concerns.

The majority of vegetable and food processing equipment are imports, mainly from Germany, Italy, France, Switzerland, the U.K., the U.S., and Denmark.  The U.S. has a market share of 6%; however, it can further increase its share by appointing local agents, offering improved after-sales service, and pricing more competitively.  Egypt manufactures 8% of the market’s vegetable and food processing equipment, mainly spare parts for the sugar milling industry, bakeries, packaging and filling machinery.

Best Products/Services

• Edible Oils
• Animal and Chicken Feed
• Fresh and Preserved Fruits And Vegetables
• Natural Juices and Concentrates
• Cheese and Milk
• Grain Silos

Opportunities

Egypt is working to modernize its food processing industry, specifically targeting exports.  In addition, the Minister of Trade and Industry stated that they are focusing on selling public sector concerns, which opens opportunities for U.S. companies.  In addition, there is growing interest of purchasing poultry slaughterhouses following the onset of Avian Influenza and new government food handling regulations.

Resources

Commercial Service in Egypt: http://www.buyusa.gov/egypt/en/
U.S. Embassy: http://usembassy.egnet.net
USAID: http://www.usaid-eg.org/
World Bank: http://www.worldbank.org/
American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt: http://www.amcham.org.eg
Egyptian Government Web Portal: http://www.egypt.gov.eg/english/


Contact for the Commercial Specialist in charge of the Hotel and Restaurant Equipment Sector: Heba Abdel-Aziz, heba.abdel-aziz@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov