Overview
This page covers the specifications buyers actually need to write into an RFQ: sizing bands, Brix expectations by variety, microbiological limits, packing configurations, and the harvest window that determines when a program can realistically start.
Grades, cuts, and formats
These are the formats commonly traded from Egypt. They serve different applications rather than representing quality tiers, so the format should follow the finished product, not the price.
Whole 15-22mm
The smallest whole-fruit band. Typically specified for industrial use where fruit will be further processed, for yogurt and dairy inclusion, and for bakery applications where a smaller berry holds its shape better through mixing.
Whole 22-26mm
The most commonly requested mid-band. Balances visual presentation against yield, and is the usual default for retail frozen fruit packs and smoothie programs.
Whole 26-35mm
Premium presentation grade. Specified where the berry is visible in the finished product — dessert toppings, premium retail packs, foodservice plating. Yield per hectare is lower in this band, which is reflected in availability rather than in any fixed price relationship.
Diced 10x10mm
Calibrated cube. Used in dairy inclusion, bakery fillings, and fruit preparations where uniform distribution matters more than whole-fruit appearance.
Sliced 6-8mm
Thickness-controlled slice. Common in dessert and bakery topping applications where the fruit is laid rather than mixed.
Puree
For beverage, dairy, and fruit-preparation manufacturing. Specification shifts from sizing to Brix, acidity, and whether the puree is seedless.
Grade and cut pages
Each grade below has its own page covering what it is used for, how it differs from the adjacent grades, and what to write into an RFQ.
IQF Whole Strawberry
Whole fruit, three caliber bands
IQF Diced Strawberry
Calibrated cube, 10x10mm
IQF Sliced Strawberry
Slice thickness 6 to 8mm
Frozen Strawberry Puree
Puree — specified by Brix, acidity, and seed content
Technical specifications
| Sizing Options | Whole: 15-22mm, 22-26mm, 26-35mm. Diced: 10×10mm. Sliced: 6-8mm thickness. |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature | -18°C or colder throughout transit and storage |
| Microbiology Limits | E. Coli < 10 cfu/g, Salmonella: Absent in 25g, Listeria: Absent in 25g |
| Brix Levels | Min 7.0 to 9.0 depending on crop variety (Festival, Senga, Fortuna) |
| Packing Configurations | 1×10kg carton bulk, 4×2.5kg polybags per carton, or customized packaging |
| Pesticide Control | Reviewed against EU Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) / FDA requirements |
| Packing options | 1×10kg bulk; 4×2.5kg polybags; 20×400g retail; Private label |
| Harvest season | Nov–Mar (peak Dec, Jan, Feb) |
| Container fit (40ft HC reefer) | 10kg cartons, 100 cartons per pallet, 20 pallets per container |
Sourcing notes for buyers
- Brix runs a minimum of 7.0 to 9.0 depending on crop variety. Festival, Senga, and Fortuna behave differently across the season, so a fixed Brix guarantee should be tied to a named variety and a shipment window rather than to the season as a whole.
- MRL compliance is the most common cause of rejection on EU-bound Egyptian strawberry. Residue screening against EU Maximum Residue Limits should be agreed as a pre-shipment condition, not a post-arrival check.
- From January 2026 the EU raised physical inspection to 20% of Egyptian strawberry consignments. Build the additional clearance time into the delivery schedule and make sure the documentation pack is complete before departure.
- Storage and transit must hold at -18C or colder throughout. Ask for the reefer set point and the pre-trip inspection record, not just a temperature claim.
- Microbiological limits: E. coli under 10 cfu/g, Salmonella absent in 25g, Listeria absent in 25g. Confirm the testing laboratory and the sampling frequency, since these vary by partner route.
Frequently asked questions
What is the harvest season for Egyptian IQF strawberry?
The Egyptian strawberry season runs from November through March, with peak volume in December, January, and February. Programs starting outside that window depend on stored inventory from the previous harvest, which affects both availability and Brix consistency.
What sizing grades are available for IQF strawberry from Egypt?
Whole fruit is generally offered in three bands: 15-22mm, 22-26mm, and 26-35mm. Diced is calibrated to 10x10mm and sliced to 6-8mm thickness. Puree is also available for beverage and dairy manufacturing.
What Brix level should buyers expect from Egyptian IQF strawberry?
Minimum 7.0 to 9.0 depending on crop variety. Festival, Senga, and Fortuna are the varieties commonly grown for freezing, and each behaves differently across the season, so a Brix guarantee is most reliable when tied to a specific variety and shipment window.
How is IQF strawberry packed for export from Egypt?
Standard configurations are 1x10kg bulk cartons, 4x2.5kg polybags per carton, and 20x400g retail packs. Private label packing is available through partner routes with the appropriate packing capability.
Share the grade or cut, volume, packing format, destination, Incoterm, required documents, and target shipment window for structured partner-route review.
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