Egypt's food industry has emerged as a strategic sector in the country's economy, playing a crucial role in supporting food security and economic growth. The industry is closely linked to the agricultural sector, supply chains, and logistics, and provides employment opportunities while increasing exports and enhancing the economic value of agricultural products. The sector comprises various key industries, including dairy products, sugar, frozen vegetables and fruits, and edible oils.
According to a report by the Information and Decision Support Center of the Egyptian Cabinet, the number of companies established in the food industry has increased significantly, from 1127 in 2019 to 1530 in 2024, representing a growth rate of approximately 35.8%. The report also noted that the value of capital issued for these companies rose from 2.2 billion pounds to 6.6 billion pounds during the same period, reflecting a substantial expansion in company establishment and capital.
The food industry's exports have also seen significant growth, with a value of approximately $6.9 billion in 2025, compared to $4.1 billion in 2021, representing a growth rate of around 68.3%. The sector's exports accounted for about 14% of Egypt's total non-oil exports in 2025, making it the third-largest industrial sector after construction materials and chemicals.
To enhance the sustainability of the food industry, the Egyptian government is focusing on developing various stages of the value chain, from improving agricultural production efficiency to transportation, storage, and manufacturing. The government has expanded its support for smart agriculture applications, modern irrigation techniques, and digital management in several national projects.
In terms of infrastructure development, the country's grain storage system has expanded significantly, with 87 silos having a storage capacity of approximately 3.8 million tons in 2025, compared to 32 silos in 2014. The government has also prioritized food safety, establishing the National Authority for Food Safety in 2017 to protect consumer health and develop a regulatory framework for food control.
The Egyptian government is also working to maximize the utilization of agricultural and food waste, promoting recycling, clean production, and efficient use of water, energy, and resources. The Ministry of Environment launched a program for sustainable green industries in 2025, in collaboration with development partners, to support efforts to reduce pollution and emissions.
The growth of Egypt's food industry has far-reaching implications, extending beyond meeting food demand to achieving food security, promoting economic growth, increasing exports, creating jobs, and supporting environmental sustainability. The industry's future competitiveness and ability to adapt to challenges such as climate change will depend on continued investment in modern technologies and value chain development.
Key points
- The Egyptian food industry has seen a 35% growth in companies and $6.9 billion in exports in 2025.
- The industry's growth is linked to its role in supporting food security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.
- The government is prioritizing infrastructure development, food safety, and sustainable practices to support the sector's continued growth.
