Egyptian Grape Exports to the UK: Table Grape Retail Guide

The United Kingdom is one of the most important markets for Egyptian table grapes. Together with the Netherlands and Russia, the UK is among Egypt’s top destinations by value — the three markets take a combined ~60% of Egypt’s grape export value. The UK is a quality-driven, retail-led buyer, and Egypt’s early-season seedless grapes fill the crucial May–July window before other Northern-Hemisphere origins arrive. This guide covers the best varieties, logistics, market and retail requirements, the season calendar, and how to open a supply program. HS code 0806.10.

Quick Answer: Egyptian Grape to the UK

  • Product: fresh table grapes (seedless), retail-ready (HS 0806.10).
  • Egypt’s position: a major early-season table-grape exporter — ~185,000 t a season.
  • UK’s role: a top-three market by value (with NL & Russia = ~60% of Egypt’s grape exports).
  • Best varieties: Flame Seedless, Superior/Sugraone, Prime, Crimson, Autumn Royal.
  • Season: mid-May to July (early NH window).
  • Main route: reefer from Alexandria / Damietta to Felixstowe, Tilbury, Portsmouth.
  • Cold chain: carry at ~0–1 °C with SO₂ pads / grape-guard.
  • Standard: UK MRLs; BRCGS, GLOBALG.A.P + GRASP; retailer schemes.

Why Egyptian Grape Works for the UK Market

UK supermarkets sell table grapes year-round and source from a rotating cast of origins around the calendar. Egypt owns a valuable slot: its season opens in mid-May, ahead of most competing Northern-Hemisphere suppliers, giving UK retailers early-season seedless volume when the supply gap is real. Combined with the Netherlands and Russia, the UK forms the core of Egypt’s grape trade — roughly 60% of export value between the three.

What sets the UK apart is its exacting specification and assurance regime — consistent brix, bunch presentation and berry size, backed by recognised food-safety and ethical certification. Egypt’s leading packhouses are built to meet it.

Best Varieties for the UK

VarietyColour / windowUK fit
Flame SeedlessRed, early-mid★★★ Core supermarket red
Superior / SugraoneWhite, mid★★★ Core supermarket white
Prime / Early SweetWhite, very early★★ Season opener
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 the UK

  • Ports of loading: Alexandria, Damietta, Port Said.
  • Ports of discharge: Felixstowe, Tilbury, Portsmouth; onward to RDCs.
  • Temperature: carry at ~0–1 °C with SO₂-generator pads and grape-guard; pre-cooled.
  • Packing: retail punnets (500 g), flow-wrap or 4.5–5 kg cartons to retailer spec.
  • Transit: Mediterranean-to-North-Europe reefer sailing — protects presentation.

UK Market & Retail Requirements

  • Phytosanitary certificate meeting GB plant-health import rules.
  • UK MRLs and contaminant compliance.
  • Retail assurance: BRCGS (packhouse), GLOBALG.A.P + GRASP (farm/labour); retailer-specific schemes.
  • Spec: brix minimums, berry size, bunch weight and presentation to supermarket standard.
  • Documentation: certificate of origin, commercial invoice, packing list, cold-chain logs.

Season & Shipping Window

PeriodAvailable varietiesUK notes
Mid-MayPrime, early FlameEarly window opens ahead of competitors
JunFlame, Superior/SugraonePeak supermarket volume
JulCrimson, Autumn RoyalLate reds & blacks

Frequently Asked Questions

How important is the UK for Egyptian grapes?

The UK is one of Egypt’s top three grape markets by value — together with the Netherlands and Russia it accounts for roughly 60% of Egypt’s grape export value.

Which Egyptian grape varieties do UK supermarkets want?

Flame Seedless (red) and Superior/Sugraone (white) are the core supermarket lines, with Prime opening the season and Crimson and Autumn Royal for the late window.

How are Egyptian grapes shipped to the UK?

By reefer sea freight from Alexandria or Damietta to Felixstowe, Tilbury or Portsmouth at about 0–1 °C with SO₂ pads and grape-guard, in retail punnets or cartons.

What retail standards are needed to supply UK supermarkets?

UK buyers typically require BRCGS at the packhouse, GLOBALG.A.P with GRASP at farm level, UK MRL compliance, GB phytosanitary clearance, and supermarket-specific brix/berry/bunch specifications.

Request a Quote for the UK Market

Building a UK grape program? PEI Trade supplies Flame, Superior, Prime, Crimson and Autumn Royal to supermarket specification, with BRCGS/GLOBALG.A.P-backed sourcing, ~0–1 °C cold-chain with SO₂ protection, retail pre-pack and reefer delivery to Felixstowe and Tilbury. Tell us your varieties, pack format, spec and delivery window for a compliant offer.

Request a Grape Quote →

How to Cite This Page

PEI Trade. “Egyptian Grape Exports to the UK: Table Grape Retail Guide.” peitrade.com, 2026, https://peitrade.com/egyptian-grape-exports-to-uk/

Sources: IndexBox / Tridge Egypt grape market overview (Netherlands, UK & Russia ~60% of export value); USDA FAS Egypt Fresh Deciduous Fruit Annual (~185,000 t table-grape exports); FreshFruitPortal Egyptian grape season reporting. 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)