Egypt’s food industries sector has achieved an unprecedented milestone, according to the Food Export Council (EFC), with 2025 marking a record year for export revenues. The EFC announced on January 26, 2026, that the sector’s exports soared to $6.807 billion, up from $6.097 billion in 2024. This 12% leap, amounting to a $711 million increase, underscores the sector’s rapidly growing influence as a cornerstone of Egypt’s non-oil export economy.
“This strong performance underscores the growing role of the food industries sector as one of the main drivers of Egypt’s non-oil exports,” the EFC stated, as reported by Business Today. The figures reveal that food exports now account for around 14% of all non-oil exports, firmly securing the sector’s place as the third-largest among Egypt’s leading export fields. That’s no small feat in a country where non-oil exports are fiercely competitive and vital for economic resilience.
The momentum wasn’t a one-off; rather, it was the product of steady growth throughout the year. In the first quarter of 2025, food exports reached $1.6 billion, registering a modest but meaningful 2% increase. The second quarter brought more robust gains, as exports climbed to $1.8 billion—a 13% rise—fueled by surging shipments of processed goods and a notable uptick in demand from both Arab and European markets. The growth train kept rolling in the third quarter, with another $1.8 billion in exports and a 15% increase. But the real headline came in the final stretch: the fourth quarter saw exports hit $1.6 billion, translating to a remarkable 18% jump compared to the same period in 2024.
So, where are all these Egyptian food products heading? Arab countries remain the dominant destination, importing a whopping $3.4 billion worth of Egyptian food products—an impressive 51% of total sector exports. The European Union isn’t far behind, accounting for $1.3 billion, or 19% of the total. Non-Arab African countries also play a role, importing $516 million, while the United States stands out as a rapidly expanding market, taking in $438 million worth of exports—a robust 36% increase over the previous year.
Breaking it down by individual markets, Saudi Arabia leads the pack, importing $563 million in Egyptian food products. The United States follows at $438 million, then Sudan at $344 million, and Libya at $299 million. But the story doesn’t end there. Other markets, including Algeria, China, and Lebanon, have also shown significant growth, demonstrating the widening reach and diversification of Egypt’s food export footprint.
The diversity of Egypt’s exported food products is equally striking. Frozen strawberries have emerged as the sector’s star performer, generating $697 million in revenue and achieving a staggering 82% growth rate—the highest among all exported products. Soft drink concentrates secured the second spot with $563 million, followed by edible oils at $432 million. Altogether, the top ten exported products made up approximately 53% of the sector’s total exports, suggesting a strategic focus on high value-added goods. This concentration on premium products is paying off handsomely, as it leverages Egypt’s agricultural strengths and processing capabilities.
The EFC’s data further reveals that exports to the top 20 importing countries reached around $4.7 billion, representing nearly 70% of overall food exports. Meanwhile, the top 30 exported products accounted for about 89% of the sector’s total exports, with a combined value close to $6 billion. These figures highlight not just the breadth but also the depth of Egypt’s export strategy, with a clear emphasis on both market expansion and product specialization.
What’s driving this export boom? According to the EFC, the surge in the second quarter was “driven by higher exports of processed goods and improved demand in Arab and European markets.” This isn’t just about raw agricultural output; it’s about value addition—processing, packaging, and branding that make Egyptian products competitive on the global stage. The sector’s resilience in the face of global supply chain disruptions and shifting consumer preferences speaks volumes about its adaptability and forward-thinking approach.
The strong showing in the U.S. market, with a 36% growth in exports, is particularly noteworthy. It signals that Egyptian food producers are finding ways to meet stringent quality standards and tap into new consumer niches. As Business Today noted, “Exports to the United States totaled $438 million, posting strong growth of 36%.” That kind of momentum hints at even greater opportunities in the years ahead, especially as trade relations deepen and new agreements come into play.
Of course, it’s not just about the numbers. The food industries sector’s success has broader implications for Egypt’s economy. By ranking as the third-largest export sector and accounting for nearly 14% of all non-oil exports, the industry is helping to diversify the country’s revenue streams, reduce reliance on traditional exports, and create jobs across the supply chain—from farmers and factory workers to logistics providers and exporters.
This achievement didn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of sustained investment, policy support, and a concerted effort to build international partnerships. The EFC’s statement highlighted the sector’s “steady growth trajectory throughout 2025,” a testament to the hard work of thousands of businesses and workers across the country. The focus on high value-added products, such as frozen strawberries and soft drink concentrates, indicates a strategic shift toward products that can command premium prices and withstand global competition.
Looking at the broader picture, Egypt’s food export story is one of adaptation and ambition. As global markets become more interconnected and consumer tastes evolve, the ability to innovate—whether by developing new products, improving quality, or expanding into new markets—will be key to sustaining this growth. The sector’s recent performance suggests it’s up to the challenge.
With nearly 70% of exports concentrated in the top 20 markets and almost 90% of value coming from the top 30 products, there’s both strength and risk in this concentration. On one hand, it allows for strategic targeting and brand building; on the other, it underscores the importance of continued diversification to hedge against market volatility and shifting global demand.
The EFC’s announcement serves as both a celebration of past achievements and a call to action for the future. If the sector can maintain its focus on quality, innovation, and market expansion, there’s every reason to believe that Egypt’s food exports will continue to set new records—and, perhaps, climb even higher among the nation’s leading export sectors.
Egypt’s food industries sector, with its remarkable growth and expanding global reach, has clearly staked its claim as a powerhouse in the country’s export landscape. As 2026 unfolds, all eyes will be on whether this momentum can be sustained—and what new frontiers Egyptian food producers will conquer next.