Demand for Ramadan Goods Increases 70%, Says Cairo Chamber

Magdy Tawfik, deputy head of the Perfumery Division at the Cairo Chamber of Commerce said that the demand for Ramadan goods increased by 70%, especially as the holy month is approaching on Tuesday.

Tawfik explained that the sales of Ramadan goods of yamish and nuts began since the beginning of "Shaaban", noting that the prices increased by 15-20%, year-on-year.

He added that a kilo of raisins rose from EGP 48 to EGP 58, coconuts from EGP 48-50 to EGP 58, and prunes from EGP 80 to EGP 90- 96 in the wholesale market.

The prices of "Qamar al-Din", hazelnuts, almonds, pistachios and walnuts stabilized in particular as it is receives demand throughout the year. The price of "Qamar al-Din" ranges between EGP 10-60 pounds per roll, hazelnuts price stood at EGP 160, almonds at EGP 160 per kilo, while margarine is sold at EGP 120 per kilo, and cashews at EGP 220.

He attributed the increase in the prices of imported goods by 40% as a result of the repercussions of the corona pandemic, which caused an increase in the cost of shipping due to the length of its duration for a period of two to three months, and thus this led to a decrease in the import cost by 50 to 60% during the current season in light of merchants' fear of the corona crisis, which caused traders to suffer heavy losses during last year's Ramadan season.

The deputy head pointed out that most Ramadan goods are imported from Iran, Turkey, Dubai, U.S., Singapore and Vietnam, noting that the consumer prefers to buy imported products. and

Meantime, consumer purchasing habits have seen a slight change to keep pace with the family budget. Yes Ramadan Lanterns and goods enter cheer for children, yet, the volume of quantities being bought is less than in the previous years before the pandemic.