Egypt has witnessed a significant surge in demand for whole grain bread, with a 25% increase in sales reported by bakers. According to Abdullah Gharab, head of the General Bakers' Association at the Egyptian Federation of Chambers of Commerce, this rise in demand is attributed to the start of the new academic year. Families are opting for healthier food options for their children, including whole grain bread.
The increased demand for whole grain bread is seen in both tourist and specialized bakeries. Gharab noted that families are becoming more inclined to purchase food products they consider more suitable for students, including bread made from whole grains. This trend reflects a growing awareness of the importance of healthy eating habits.
In a related development, the Bakers' Association in Cairo Chamber of Commerce reiterated its call to the Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade to review the prices of tourist bread and "fino" bread. This appeal comes in light of the continuous rise in the cost of flour over the past period. Gharab stated that the association has contacted the Ministry to study the current production costs and reassess the prices of tourist bread and "fino" bread.
The cost of flour used in producing tourist and specialized bread has increased significantly, rising by around 4,000 pounds per ton since mid-July. Currently, the price of flour for this type of bread ranges between 21,000 and 22,000 pounds per ton, compared to 17,000 and 18,000 pounds before July 14. This substantial increase in flour prices has led to higher production costs.
Gharab emphasized that the 4,000-pound increase in flour prices per ton represents a considerable rise in production costs. He pointed out that these successive increases have prompted the association to recontact the Ministry to examine the suitability of current prices to operating and production costs. Bakers are required to adhere to specified weights and prices according to regulatory decisions.
The Bakers' Association has moved to request a price review after the Ministry of Supply rejected a previous request in August to increase prices for tourist bread and "fino" bread by 12.5%. The Ministry maintained the existing prices and weights, requiring bakeries to comply with them. Gharab noted that the association is pushing for a review of prices to reflect the current economic conditions.
The demand for whole grain bread is expected to continue growing as families prioritize healthier options for their children. Meanwhile, the Bakers' Association will continue to engage with the Ministry of Supply to find a solution that balances production costs with consumer prices. The situation will likely remain under close observation as it affects a significant portion of Egypt's population.
Key points
- Demand for whole grain bread in Egypt increases by 25% due to the new academic year
- Bakers' Association requests a review of tourist bread and "fino" bread prices due to rising flour costs
- Egypt's flour prices have risen by 4,000 pounds per ton since mid-July, affecting production costs
