Chocolate and Edible Oils Drive the Growth of Egyptian Food Industry Exports in H1 2026
Data from the Food Export Council revealed that chocolate topped the list of commodities contributing most to the sector's export growth during the first half of 2026. Chocolate exports surged to $229 million, achieving a remarkable growth rate of 125%, which represents a $127 million increase compared to the same period last year.
Top Growth-Driving Commodities
Following chocolate, several key commodities fueled the sector's export expansion:
Edible Oils: Ranked second in growth contribution, with exports rising by 26% to reach $230 million.
Frozen Strawberries: Reached an impressive $489 million.
Fats, Greases, and Salt: Combined with the above products, these commodities accounted for approximately 55% of the total increase in food commodity exports.
Key Destination Markets
The council highlighted the top international markets driving this export growth:
Spain: Led the growth with an increase of $72 million.
Saudi Arabia: Saw an increase of $47 million.
Palestine: Increased by $36 million.
Jordan: Grew by $32 million.
China: Recorded an increase of $30 million.
Mahmoud Bazan, Chairman of the Food Export Council, affirmed that the diversification of destination markets and exported goods significantly enhances the sustainability of the sector's growth. He emphasized that the council continues to implement targeted programs aimed at boosting corporate competitiveness and expanding into priority markets—particularly African and emerging markets—in alignment with the state's strategic goals to increase non-oil exports.