Egyptian vs. Spanish Onions and Garlic: A Comprehensive Comparison

Egypt and Spain are two of the world’s largest exporters of onions and garlic, each offering distinct advantages in terms of quality, availability, and pricing. Importers looking for the best produce often compare Egyptian onions and garlic with Spanish onions and garlic to determine the best fit for their markets. This article provides a detailed, fact-based comparison, examining key aspects such as production volume, quality, harvest seasons, pricing, and export efficiency.

Production and Global Market Share

Onion Production (2023 Data)

Egypt: Produced approximately 3.3 million metric tons, making it a top global exporter (FAO).
Spain: Produced approximately 1.5 million metric tons, supplying mainly European markets (Eurostat).

Garlic Production (2023 Data)

Egypt: Produced around 280,000 metric tons, growing in popularity worldwide (FAO).
Spain: Produced about 270,000 metric tons, historically recognized for its quality and large domestic consumption (Eurostat).

Egyptian onions and garlic are increasing their global market share, with rising exports to Europe, Asia, and Africa, while Spanish onions and garlic remain dominant in the EU and Latin America.

Quality and Varieties

Feature	Egyptian Onions	Spanish Onions	Egyptian Garlic	Spanish Garlic
Appearance	Red, golden, and white varieties	Predominantly yellow and red	White and red/purple garlic	Mostly white garlic
Flavor	Mild to strong	Sweet and mild	Stronger, high allicin content	Medium strength, balanced taste
Size	Medium to large	Large	Medium to large bulbs	Large, uniform bulbs
Shelf Life	6-9 months	5-7 months	6-9 months	6-8 months
Market Preference	Middle East, Asia, Europe	Europe, Latin America	Global demand increasing	EU and Latin America preferred

Harvest and Export Timelines

Product	Country	Harvest Season	Export Period
Onions	Egypt	March – June	April – December
Onions	Spain	May – August	July – March
Garlic (Fresh)	Egypt	January – March	February – April
Garlic (Dry)	Egypt	January – March	May – December
Garlic	Spain	June – August	July – April

Key Takeaway: Egyptian garlic and onions have an earlier harvest season, allowing them to reach global markets before Spanish produce. This provides a competitive advantage for importers who want an early supply.

Pricing and Cost Competitiveness

Egyptian onions and garlic are more cost-effective due to lower production and labor costs (FAO).
Spanish onions and garlic tend to be more expensive due to higher wages, stricter EU regulations, and transport costs (Eurostat).

Gezira United: A Trusted Supplier of Egyptian Onions and Garlic

Gezira United is a leading Egyptian exporter of onions and garlic, supplying premium-quality produce to international markets. As a participant in the German Import Promotion Desk (IPD), Gezira United has built strong connections in Europe and beyond, ensuring buyers receive top-grade products that meet strict international standards.

Why Choose Gezira United?

Reliable supplier of white and red/purple garlic, as well as red, golden, and white onions
Stringent quality control and compliance with Global GAP, GRASP, and FDA certifications
Competitive pricing and efficient logistics solutions
Flexible packaging options tailored to importer requirements

For importers seeking a cost-effective and high-quality alternative to Spanish onions and garlic, Gezira United offers the perfect solution.

👉 Contact us today to secure premium Egyptian onions and garlic for your market.