Egypt’s strawberry calendar has two layers: a fresh season tied to the winter harvest, and a frozen / IQF supply that runs all year from cold storage. For importers, that means winter dessert fruit when Europe has none, plus processing-grade frozen berries available any month. This guide sets out the Egyptian strawberry export season and how to plan around it.

Quick answer: The Egyptian fresh strawberry export season runs from about December to April, peaking January to March — counter-seasonal to Europe. Frozen / IQF strawberries are produced during the season and shipped year-round from cold storage. Growing is concentrated in Qalyubia, Sharqia, Beheira, Ismailia and Nubaria. (Fresh harvest peaks January–March; exact windows shift year to year with planting and weather.)

Fresh and frozen: two calendars

Fresh strawberries are picked and shipped within the winter harvest window. Frozen strawberries are produced from the same harvest but then stored at −18°C and released throughout the year — so a frozen-strawberry buyer is not bound by the fresh season at all. Understanding which layer you are buying from is the key to planning.

The Egyptian strawberry export calendar

MonthFresh availabilityFrozen / IQF
Nov–DecSeason opens (early varieties)Available from storage
Jan–MarPeak fresh supply & qualityPeak freezing season
AprilFresh season winds downAvailable from storage
May–OctOut of fresh seasonYear-round supply from cold storage

Why the fresh timing matters for Europe

Egypt’s fresh strawberries peak in the depths of the European winter, when local production is effectively nil. That makes Egypt a valuable counter-seasonal source for the Gulf, Saudi Arabia and the EU/UK during December–March, alongside other winter-supplying origins.

Frozen: a year-round business

Because frozen and IQF strawberries are held at −18°C, Egyptian processors and exporters can ship them in any month. For the EU jam, bakery, dairy and beverage industries — and for Russian and Gulf buyers — this year-round availability, combined with firm freeze-stable varieties such as Festival, is Egypt’s core strength in strawberries.

Planning notes

  • Fresh programs: target the January–March peak for best quality and volume.
  • Frozen programs: order any month; for best pricing, contract around the peak freezing season (Jan–Mar).
  • Book early: the fresh window is short — confirm allocations ahead of peak.

Frequently asked questions

When are fresh Egyptian strawberries available?

Roughly December to April, peaking January-March – counter-seasonal to Europe.

Are frozen Egyptian strawberries available year-round?

Yes – frozen / IQF strawberries are produced during the season and shipped year-round from cold storage.

When is the peak season?

January to March for both fresh quality and freezing volume.

Where are Egyptian strawberries grown?

Mainly in Qalyubia, Sharqia, Beheira, Ismailia and the Nubaria reclaimed-land area.

Do the fresh windows change year to year?

Yes – planting and weather shift the dates, so confirm the program window with your supplier.

How to cite this page

PEI Trade. “Egyptian Strawberry Export Season & Calendar.” peitrade.com, 2026. https://peitrade.com/egyptian-strawberry-export-season/

Sources

  • CBI / USDA FAS — EU fresh and frozen berry import windows and counter-seasonal demand.
  • Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture; industry reporting — strawberry harvest timing and growing regions.

This page is part of our Egyptian Strawberry Export Guide hub.

Plan your Egyptian strawberry program with PEI Trade. Fresh winter punnets and year-round frozen IQF supply to Gulf, Saudi, EU, UK and Russian buyers, with full documentation and unbroken cold chain. Contact: sales@peitrade.com · WhatsApp +20 109 911 1918 · www.peitrade.com