Egypt Ranks 2nd Globally in Table Olive Exports to US, European Markets

Egypt has secured the world’s second position after Spain in table olive exports, underscoring the country’s growing role in global agricultural trade. 

The milestone comes as part of Egypt’s broader strategy to expand agricultural exports, which reached $24.5 billion in the first half of 2025, according to official data.

Desouky Shehata, co-founder and chairman of of one of the leading companies in advanced Food Industries said Egypt has been competing head-to-head with Spain since 2019 in the international olive market. He noted that government authorities continue to encourage large-scale olive farming projects to cement Egypt’s competitive edge.

Shehata emphasized that the government’s export plan is designed to support private-sector growth and strengthen the “Made in Egypt” brand in global markets. “The state encourages investors to boost their exports worldwide as part of efforts to promote private-sector participation,” he said.

The company has also launched a new initiative aimed at promoting pesticide-free farming in Egypt’s agricultural export sector, particularly olives. The company has called on the Food Export Council, the Ministry of Agriculture, and quarantine authorities to tighten regulations across governorates to ensure compliance, thereby safeguarding Egypt’s reputation for high-quality produce.

It exports 80% of its daily output of 60,000 olive packages to the U.S. and European markets, while 20 percent is sold domestically. Currently, the company accounts for around 15 percent of Egypt’s total olive exports and is planning further expansion into the UK, Russia, and emerging Asian markets such as China and India.

“Egypt is steadily becoming one of the leading exporters of premium-quality table olives,” Shehata added, noting that sustainability-focused practices would be critical to capturing additional market share.