Fresh figs are one of the most demanding fruits in international trade, and that is exactly where a specialist origin earns its place. Egyptian figs — led by the honey-sweet Sultani variety — reach export markets hand-picked at dawn and packed the same day in shallow single-layer trays. Nile Prime manages the entire chain from orchard to reefer or aircraft so importers receive fruit that is soft, aromatic and intact.
Why Egyptian Figs?
The sandy coastal soils and dry summer heat of Egypt concentrate sugars in the fruit while keeping skins resilient enough for export handling. Egyptian production costs undercut most Mediterranean suppliers, and short flight and sailing times to the EU and Gulf are decisive for a fruit this perishable.
Specifications
| Season | June–September |
|---|---|
| Main Varieties | Sultani |
| Sizes & Grades | Class I, uniform size and ripeness per tray |
| Packing | Shallow single-layer trays to prevent compression; air freight for premium programmes |
| Container | 40 ft reefer for sea shipments; air cargo for premium fresh |
| Certifications | GLOBALG.A.P farms; HACCP packhouses; phytosanitary certificate and certificate of origin; SGS/Intertek inspection on request |
Packing & Shipping
Figs are field-selected for firmness, packed directly into shallow single-layer trays and moved into pre-cooling within hours of harvest. Air freight out of Cairo is used where the arrival window demands it; sea shipments load in 40 ft reefer containers from Alexandria, Damietta, Sokhna and Port Said. All business is quoted under Incoterms 2020 — FOB, CFR/CIF or DAP/DPU.
Guides for Fig Buyers
- Egyptian figs export guide — specifications, handling and programmes.
- Shelf life and storage chart — how little margin a fig gives you.
- Reefer container shipping — set points, airflow and monitoring.
- Quality claims — how an arrival dispute is handled.
- Incoterms for produce importers — where cost and risk actually transfer.
FAQ
What is the minimum order for fresh figs?
Air programmes can start well below a container because the freight unit is smaller; sea programmes are quoted per full 40 ft reefer. Tell us the arrival weeks and volume and we will say which route works.
Air or sea for figs?
Air for most fresh fig programmes. The fruit has very little tolerance, and on a long sea leg the arrival risk usually outweighs the freight saving. Sea is viable on short lanes with a tight cold chain and an agreed picking stage.
Why single-layer trays?
Because a fig will not carry the weight of another fig. Any stacking inside the pack crushes the lower layer, so presentation and arrival condition both depend on single-layer packing rather than on carton strength.
What ripeness stage should I ask for?
Firm-mature, set against the transit time. Fully ripe fruit does not survive handling, and under-ripe fruit never develops the aroma the category sells on, so the stage is agreed in writing before the first shipment.
Can cartons carry our brand?
Yes, including tray and liner specification and labelling built to your destination market’s rules.
Send your requirement and we will come back with an offer. Message the desk on WhatsApp or use the contact page.
