Cairo 3A launches large-scale blueberry farm in Wadi El-Natrun
Egypt steps up its commercial blueberry production to meet rising export demand.
EGYPT – Cairo 3A for Agriculture has officially launched Phase One of its blueberry farm in Wadi El-Natrun, signaling the group’s move into large-scale commercial production in Egypt.
The farm was inaugurated by Mr. Ayman El Gameel, Chairman of Cairo 3A Group.
“This project is designed to help bridge the gap in Egypt’s still-emerging blueberry category through scale, quality, and sustainability, while opening new markets for Egyptian agriculture,” said Ali El Gameel, CEO of the Agricultural Sector at Cairo 3A Group.
The first phase represents an investment of EGP 442.2 million (US$7.3 million) and includes advanced infrastructure built to international agricultural standards.
The integrated system covers all stages from selecting high-quality blueberry varieties and implementing modern farming techniques to preparing fruit for export.
Phase One is part of a three-phase plan that will expand to 550 feddans with total investments exceeding EGP 1.7 billion (US$28.1 million). The farm aims for a production capacity of roughly 8,000 tons, targeting primarily European Union and United Kingdom markets.
Cairo 3A has partnered with Berry World for breeding and with Berry World/Agriventure for marketing the berries.
Egypt’s blueberry sector has gained momentum in recent years. In 2024, the market reached US$33.35 million and is expected to nearly double to US$63.91 million by 2033. Fresh blueberries currently lead in volume, while frozen berries are the fastest-growing segment.
Factors driving growth include favorable climate conditions, available water resources, strategic location between Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and the adoption of modern, export-focused farming methods.
Industry analysts predict Egypt will become a notable contributor to global blueberry output, which is projected to hit 2 million tons by 2026. Precision agriculture and controlled environments are being introduced across farms to improve yields, conserve water, and support climate-resilient production.
Egypt is also attracting international investment due to its proximity to European and Gulf markets. Agronomic trials since 2020 have shown strong results, particularly in desert reclamation areas.
Despite the growth outlook, challenges remain, including competition from established producers such as Peru and the United States, logistical constraints, and market volatility.
Cairo 3A’s initiative complements broader developments in the sector, where the government and private investors continue to expand the blueberry footprint.
With Phase One operational, the company plans to increase production gradually while meeting export quality standards and reinforcing Egypt’s position as a reliable supplier of blueberries in global markets.
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