Ismailia: Silta News – Ashraf Gaber, CEO & Editor in Chief
Ismailia Governorate is experiencing significant expansion in strawberry cultivation, known as “red gold”, reinforcing Egypt’s standing as one of the world’s largest strawberry producers and exporters. An inspection tour conducted by Lieutenant General Pilot Akram Mohamed Galal, Governor of Ismailia, at one of the farms in Al-Rawda village in Qantara Gharb City, underscored the substantial economic dimensions of this vital agricultural sector.
Production and Agricultural Expansion
Strawberry cultivation in Ismailia covered approximately 10,052 feddans as of January 2026, with average yields ranging between 25 and 35 tons per feddan, positioning the governorate at the forefront of domestic production. Al-Rawda Agricultural Cooperative in Qantara Gharb commands the largest share, accounting for 5,527 feddans, 55 percent of the governorate’s total cultivated strawberry area, according to a statement by Dr. Alaa Halawa, Deputy Minister of Agriculture for Ismailia.
Mohamed Eid, Head of Qantara Gharb Center and City, emphasized that Ismailia strawberries are cultivated primarily for export to European and Arab markets, where Egyptian varieties are distinguished by superior quality and strong competitive advantage. This export-oriented approach contributes to generating foreign currency reserves for Egypt and strengthens the balance of payments through increased agricultural exports. Additionally, the labor-intensive nature of strawberry cultivation and elevated production costs make the sector a significant employment generator, helping reduce local unemployment rates.
Agricultural Diversification and Strategic Importance
Strawberries rank second among Ismailia’s agricultural crops, trailing only the governorate’s renowned mango production, another prominent export commodity. This agricultural diversity enhances the governorate’s capacity to play a pivotal role in supporting Egypt’s agricultural economy. Strawberry cultivation extends beyond Ismailia to the governorates of Qalyubia, Beheira, Sharkia, and Menoufia, positioning Egypt among the world’s largest strawberry producers and exporters. Egyptian strawberries are recognized for their superior quality and competitive edge, deservedly earning their reputation as the “red gold” that elevates Egypt’s standing in international markets.
Official attention to export-oriented crops, evident through intensified advisory workshops and technical support for farmers, reflects a strategic vision to increase productivity and enhance quality. Investment in strawberry production transcends immediate financial returns, extending to strengthening Egypt’s global agricultural reputation and consolidating its position as a leading supplier of fresh produce in international markets.
Global Market Leadership
Egypt ranks among the world’s largest strawberry producers and exporters, a distinction bolstered by product quality and diverse varieties including Fortuna, Florida, Sensation, and Festival. This competitive advantage establishes Egyptian “red gold” as a cornerstone in the state’s strategy to increase agricultural exports while balancing food security with economic returns. International trade reports indicate that Egypt leads global strawberry exports, reaching approximately $672 million in 2025, an 81 percent increase from 2024, reflecting accelerating growth in this vital sector.