• SCZONE approves a $8 million agro-processing project in Sokhna

• The plant will produce frozen potatoes, vegetables, and ready-to-eat meals

• Egypt’s potato output reached 9.6 million tons in 2024

Egypt’s General Authority for the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) on December 23 announced the launch of a new agro-processing project in the Sokhna industrial zone, with a total investment of $8 million. The project is being developed by Pitcairn under an agreement signed with MDC, the industrial zone operator in Sokhna.

In a statement published on its website, SCZONE said the investment involves the construction of an agro-industrial complex that will include frozen potato and vegetable processing, as well as the production of ready-to-eat meals for both the domestic market and exports.

According to project officials, construction is expected to span two years. Production is scheduled to begin in early 2027, with an annual capacity of 18,000 tons of frozen potatoes and vegetables, along with 73 million ready-to-eat meals per year. These meals are intended to serve aviation, hospitality, healthcare, industrial activities, humanitarian operations, and other sectors, the statement said.

Once operational, the facility is expected to provide a stable outlet for local potato producers and to enhance value creation along the supply chain.

Data from Egypt’s Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics show that potato production rose by 9.7% to 9.6 million tons in 2024. During the year, only 11% of output was exported, while the remainder was used for domestic consumption and seed production.

Stéphanas Assocle