It was a neck-and-neck race to see who would transport the most seed potatoes to Egypt in the 2022/23 season. Scotland has won this and remains a competitor for the Netherlands in terms of exports to the North African country. The Scottish seed potato sector saw a significant increase in sales throughout the season.
In the end, it was not a photo finish between the two countries: Scotland exported 54.244 tons of seed potatoes to Egypt for the 2022 harvest. The Netherlands exported 44.474 tons to the North African country, more than 1.000 tons less than last year. By the way, Scotland has been at the top for years as the largest seed potato exporter to Egypt.
17% more sales for 2022 harvest
Scotland's total seed potato exports have increased this year by more than 17% to 91.250 tonnes. This gives Egypt a 56% share of total exports. Morocco follows at a distance with 10.757 tons, good for a 12% share. In total, the Scottish seed potato harvest amounts to more than 200.000 tons. So less than half is shipped.
The largest variety that Egypt exports is Cara with more than 25.000 tons. Hermes, the largest variety last year, is number 2 on the export list this season with 19.000 tons. The top 3 on the list is completed by the Desiree variety with 10.000 tons.
Moreover, nothing has been exported to European destinations since January 2021 due to the changed trade rules after Brexit. For a long time this included Northern Ireland, but from next season seed potatoes can be exported to the republic again. Before the United Kingdom left the European Union, exports were made to eighteen European destinations.