PICO announces major expansion plans

Over the past 12 months, PICO, a Cairo-based agriculture company, has focused on developing its existing grape plantations, focusing on increasing planted areas and adding new varieties.

 

Development of PICO’s grape capacity will be bolstered by the addition of new varieties selected from Sun World and other programs in order to offer the best basket of varieties for international markets, including white, red and black grapes for early, mid and late season opportunities.

 

At the same time, PICO has plans to increase the size of its peach and nectarine production, while new early red and mid-season dark red, black and yellow plum varieties will also be added.

 

 

Business development manager Heike Hagenguth said PICO would be looking to increase direct business with supermarkets and breeders in the year ahead, working closely with them to further develop in-demand varieties.

The company will also be aiming to identify new clients and markets for the anticipated greater volumes of stone fruits and grapes.

 

At the upcoming Fruit Logistica 2015 trade exhibition, PICO will also be focusing on delivering the message that Egypt is a reliable and safe partner to work with, having recovered from the effects of political unrest.

 

 New markets

 

Over the past year, PICO has increased shipments to the Arabian Gulf and South East Asia and maintained business with Russia, although Hagenguth said the opportunity presented for Egyptian exporters by the Russian embargo has since been undermined by the falling value of the ruble.

 

“We were lucky not to put all our eggs in one basket and jump on this – at first glance – very attractive opportunity,” she explained.

 

By contrast, Hagenguth said South East Asian markets offered plenty of opportunities, although were very demanding in terms of price and product presentation. However, she emphasised that population growth, increasing incomes and the positive impact of tourism were all making the region an attractive prospect.

 

“We see continuous growth and perceive Asia as the new Europe, and obviously supermarkets believe the same when you look at the number of grocery retail chains opening in these markets,” Hagenguth added.