Egyptian Grape Exports to Saudi Arabia: Table Grape Guide

Saudi Arabia is a major and growing market for Egyptian table grapes. Egypt has steadily strengthened its position in the Kingdom, supplying early-season seedless varieties through the Gulf’s peak demand window. Egypt’s grape season opens ahead of most Northern-Hemisphere origins, and the short Red Sea route lands fresh, crisp fruit fast. This guide covers the best varieties, logistics, market requirements, the season calendar, and how to open a supply program. HS code 0806.10.

Quick Answer: Egyptian Grape to Saudi Arabia

  • Product: fresh table grapes (seedless), bunch-graded (HS 0806.10).
  • Egypt’s position: a major early-season table-grape exporter — ~185,000 t a season.
  • Saudi’s role: a major, growing Gulf market where Egypt is strengthening its share.
  • Best varieties: Flame Seedless, Prime (Early Sweet), Superior/Sugraone, Crimson, Autumn Royal.
  • Season: mid-May to July (early Northern-Hemisphere window).
  • Main route: reefer via Sokhna / Red Sea to Jeddah and Dammam.
  • Cold chain: carry at ~0–1 °C with SO₂ pads / grape-guard.
  • Compliance: phytosanitary certificate, SFDA import rules, Arabic labeling.

Why Egyptian Grape Works for the Saudi Market

Table grapes are a staple of Saudi retail and hospitality, and demand runs strong through late spring and summer — including Ramadan in many years. Egypt’s decisive advantage is timing: its season opens ahead of most other Northern-Hemisphere origins, so Egyptian seedless grapes hit Saudi shelves early, when prices and demand are firm. Short Red Sea transit keeps the fruit crisp and the freight low, and Egypt has been steadily gaining share in the Kingdom.

For Saudi importers, Egyptian grapes mean early availability, dependable volume across popular seedless varieties, and fast replenishment.

Best Varieties for Saudi Arabia

VarietyColour / windowSaudi fit
Prime / Early SweetWhite, very early★★★ Season opener
Flame SeedlessRed, early-mid★★★ Core red seedless
Superior / SugraoneWhite, mid★★★ Popular white seedless
Crimson SeedlessRed, late★★ Late-window red
Autumn RoyalBlack, late★★ Premium black

For full variety detail see the Egyptian grape varieties guide and the Egyptian table grapes export guide.

Logistics: Egypt to Saudi Arabia

  • Ports of loading: Sokhna / Adabiya (Red Sea); Alexandria / Damietta for combined routings.
  • Ports of discharge: Jeddah (west) and Dammam (east); land bridge to Riyadh; air for premium early lots.
  • Temperature: carry at ~0–1 °C with SO₂-generator pads and grape-guard to control decay.
  • Packing: 4.5–5 kg cartons, punnets or bags; bunch-trimmed, pre-cooled.
  • Transit: short Red Sea sailing — fast, crisp arrival.

Saudi Market Requirements

  • Phytosanitary certificate from Egypt’s Ministry of Agriculture meeting Saudi import conditions.
  • SFDA / SASO: compliance with Saudi Food & Drug Authority import rules; SABER as applicable.
  • MRLs: residue compliance to Saudi/GCC limits; brix & bunch spec to buyer.
  • Documentation: certificate of origin, commercial invoice, packing list, cold-chain logs; Arabic labeling.
  • Food safety: GLOBALG.A.P (farm) and HACCP (packhouse) as baseline.

Season & Shipping Window

PeriodAvailable varietiesSaudi notes
Mid-MayPrime, early FlameSeason opens; strong early demand
JunFlame, Superior/SugraonePeak volume to Jeddah/Dammam
JulCrimson, Autumn RoyalLate-window reds & blacks

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Saudi Arabia buy Egyptian grapes?

Egypt’s grape season opens ahead of most Northern-Hemisphere origins, so its seedless grapes reach Saudi shelves early when demand is strong. Short Red Sea transit keeps fruit crisp, and Egypt has been steadily gaining share in the Kingdom.

Which Egyptian grape varieties suit Saudi Arabia?

Prime/Early Sweet and Flame Seedless open the season, followed by Superior/Sugraone (white), then Crimson and Autumn Royal for the late window.

How are Egyptian grapes shipped to Saudi Arabia?

By reefer sea freight via Sokhna/Red Sea to Jeddah and Dammam at about 0–1 °C with SO₂ pads and grape-guard, in 4.5–5 kg cartons, punnets or bags.

What documents are required to import Egyptian grapes into Saudi Arabia?

A phytosanitary certificate meeting Saudi conditions, SFDA/SASO compliance (SABER as applicable), MRL compliance, Arabic labeling, certificate of origin, commercial invoice, packing list, and farm/packhouse food-safety certification.

Request a Quote for the Saudi Market

Building a Saudi grape program? PEI Trade supplies Prime, Flame, Superior, Crimson and Autumn Royal table grapes with bunch grading, ~0–1 °C cold-chain with SO₂ protection, SFDA/SASO-aligned documentation, Arabic labeling and fast Red Sea delivery to Jeddah and Dammam. Tell us your varieties, pack format and delivery window for a compliant offer.

Request a Grape Quote →

How to Cite This Page

PEI Trade. “Egyptian Grape Exports to Saudi Arabia: Table Grape Guide.” peitrade.com, 2026, https://peitrade.com/egyptian-grape-exports-to-saudi-arabia/

Sources: EastFruit “Egypt’s table grape exports to Saudi Arabia: another success”; USDA FAS Egypt Fresh Deciduous Fruit Annual (table-grape exports ~185,000 t); Tridge Egypt fresh-grape market overview. HS code 0806.10.

PEI Trade · New Cairo, Egypt · [email protected] · WhatsApp +20 109 911 1918 · www.peitrade.com · Brand: nile-prime.com · Ports: Alexandria, Damietta, Sokhna, Port Said (Incoterms 2020)