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Egypt grows onions in three commercial groups — golden (yellow), red and white — plus early spring/green onions and a large dehydrated-onion segment. Colour, firmness and storage life decide which market each fits. This guide breaks down the main Egyptian onion types and how to match them to your buyers.
Quick answer: Egypt’s export mainstay is the golden / yellow onion — firm, pungent and long-storing. Red onions (such as Giza 6 and local red selections) are popular in Gulf, Asian and European markets, with smaller volumes of white onions, early spring/green onions, and a significant dehydrated-onion segment for processing. Fresh onions trade under HS code 0703.10.
Table of Contents
Egyptian onion types at a glance
| Type | Character | Main use / market |
|---|---|---|
| Golden / yellow | Firm, pungent, excellent shelf life | EU, Gulf, UK — retail & foodservice (the export mainstay) |
| Red (e.g. Giza 6, local reds) | Deep red, firm, sharp flavour | Gulf, Asia, Europe |
| White | Mild, pale | Selected markets & processing |
| Spring / green | Immature, bunched | Early-season fresh windows |
| Dehydrated (segment) | Dried flakes / granules / powder | Food processing — global |
Golden / yellow onions
Yellow onions are the backbone of Egyptian onion exports. They are firm, pungent and store and travel well, which suits the long supply lines into Europe and the Gulf. For most importers, golden onions are the default specification, graded by diameter and packed in mesh bags.
Red onions
Egyptian red onions — including local types such as Giza 6 — are valued for their deep colour and firm flesh, with strong demand in the Gulf, Asia and parts of Europe. Reds are generally best moved within the season rather than held as long as yellows.
Spring onions and the dehydrated segment
Early spring/green onions open the season for fresh, bunched product. Separately, Egypt is a notable exporter of dehydrated onion (alongside dehydrated garlic), supplying flakes, granules and powder to food manufacturers worldwide — a useful complement to the fresh-bulb trade.
Choosing the right onion for your market
Start from colour and end use: golden onions for mainstream retail and foodservice; red onions where colour and pungency are wanted; white or dehydrated for specific processing needs. Then agree the caliber band and packing. A good supplier will match colour, size and pungency to your destination.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main Egyptian export onion?
The golden/yellow onion – firm, pungent and long-storing – is the export mainstay.
Does Egypt export red onions?
Yes – Egyptian red onions, including local types such as Giza 6, are popular in Gulf, Asian and European markets.
Are Egyptian onions pungent or mild?
Golden and red onions are generally firm and pungent with good shelf life; white onions are milder.
Does Egypt export dehydrated onion?
Yes – Egypt is a significant exporter of dehydrated onion (flakes, granules, powder) for the food-processing industry.
Under what HS code are onions traded?
Fresh onions and shallots fall under HS code 0703.10.
How to cite this page
PEI Trade. “Egyptian Onion Varieties: Golden, Red & More.” peitrade.com, 2026. https://peitrade.com/egyptian-onion-varieties/
Sources
- FAO; Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture — onion production and varieties.
- CBI / USDA FAS — onion colour-type demand in EU and Gulf markets.
This page is part of our Egyptian Onion Export Guide hub.
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