Exhibiting at Asia Fruit Logistica 2025

Egyptian Export Center – HB is a leading Egyptian grower, packer, and exporter of fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs, with a strong specialization in high-quality dates and citrus products. Headquartered in Cairo, the company is family-owned and operated under the leadership of Hassan Al Banna, with a growing global reputation for reliability, traceability, and product integrity across the agri-export value chain.

Company Background

Founded as part of the HB Group, the Egyptian Export Center – HB (HBanna) has positioned itself as one of Egypt’s most dynamic fresh produce exporters. With roots in farming and decades of experience in agricultural trade, the company leverages its deep knowledge of crop cycles, post-harvest management, and export regulations to supply customers across Europe, the Gulf, Asia, and North America.

HB operates out of strategically located packhouses and farms across Egypt’s most productive agricultural regions. It has also established a streamlined export documentation system and multi-point customer service structure operating from Cairo’s Maadi and El Mohandiseen districts.

Core Business Activities

• Production and Contract Farming: Working with in-house farms and trusted partner growers to ensure quality control and seasonal consistency.
• Post-Harvest Handling: Washing, grading, sorting, waxing, and customized packaging for each export destination.
• Export Operations: Coordinating reefer logistics for both sea and air freight with real-time shipment tracking and compliance documentation.
• Private Label Services: Branding, labeling, and packaging tailored to retailer or importer specifications.

Product Offerings

HB exports a diversified basket of fresh produce, including:

• Dates:

  • Medjoul: Large, soft premium dates
  • Baraka and Barhi: Rich, semi-dry varieties
  • Exported in premium packs, bulk cartons, and gift boxes

• Citrus Fruits:

  • Valencia and Navel Oranges
  • Murcott Mandarins
  • Adalia Lemons
  • White and Red Grapefruit

• Berries and Stone Fruits:

  • Fresh Strawberries (IQF and air-freighted formats)
  • Grapes (Crimson, Superior, Flame)
  • Pomegranates (Wonderful)

• Vegetables and Roots:

  • Onions (golden and red)
  • Garlic (white and purple)
  • Tomatoes

• Fresh Herbs and Spices:

  • Basil, mint, thyme, dill
  • Dried and fresh formats depending on client needs

All products undergo multi-stage quality checks and can be shipped under the company's flagship brand “HB” or as white-label.

Unique Selling Proposition

• Integrated Export Services: Full service from farm to freight with end-to-end logistics.
• Specialization in Dates: One of the few Egyptian exporters with seasonal availability of Medjoul and soft varieties.
• High-Quality Packing: Modern, food-safe packing stations with BRC and HACCP-aligned procedures.
• Responsive Team: Dedicated staff for marketing, documentation, and client relations (multi-lingual: Arabic, English, French).

Financial and Market Insights

While EG Center – HB does not disclose revenue publicly, trade volume and logistics activity show strong growth:

• Annual Export Volume:

  • Dates: 1,000–1,500 metric tons
  • Citrus: 4,000–5,000 metric tons
  • Other fresh produce: ~2,000 metric tons

• Top Export Markets:

  • Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman
  • Germany, Netherlands, Poland
  • India, Malaysia, Singapore
  • Canada and select U.S. markets

• Logistics Activity:

  • Weekly reefer container departures during peak citrus and date seasons
  • Air freight for strawberries and herbs (Nov–Mar)

Shipment Data

• Port Access:

  • Alexandria, Damietta, and Port Said for sea exports
  • Cairo International Airport for perishable air freight

• Packing Facilities:

  • In-house packhouses with cold storage capacity >500 pallets
  • Date packing with fumigation and moisture control processes
  • Laser grading for citrus

• Compliance Documentation:

  • Full export documentation handled internally
  • USDA, EU, and Gulf market certificates arranged per shipment

Target Markets

HB targets multiple segments:

• Retail Chains and Supermarkets
• Importers and Distributors
• Wholesale Markets
• Specialty Food Stores
• Food Processors (for garlic, herbs, and dried ingredients)

Custom packaging, private-label production, and calendar-based supply commitments make HB a strategic partner for buyers worldwide.

Operational Capabilities

• Export Sales Team: Operates in Arabic, English, and French
• Cold Chain Management: Fully integrated for both short-haul and long-haul freight
• Quality Control Systems:
  • Visual and chemical inspection
  • Temperature and humidity logging
• Sustainability Measures:
  • Drip irrigation on farms
  • Eco-friendly packaging options on request

Certifications and Compliance

HB operates in compliance with major international standards:

• GlobalG.A.P. – On partner farms and packing units
• HACCP – Food safety practices across packing stages
• Phytosanitary Certification – Issued per shipment by Egyptian authorities
• FDA Approval – For U.S.-bound shipments
• EU MRL Compliance – Strict pesticide monitoring and traceability

Customer Testimonials

“HB delivers consistent quality and superior packaging. They are our go-to for Egyptian citrus.” — Buyer, Germany

“Their Medjoul dates were beautifully presented and well received by our customers.” — Importer, UAE

Achievements

• Opened New Packing Facility in 2022 focused on soft date varieties and strawberry IQF
• Entered Southeast Asian Market with first shipments to Singapore and Malaysia in 2023
• Sustained Growth in Gulf Exports – 30% YoY increase in date shipments
• Recognized by Egyptian Export Council for produce quality and exporter professionalism

Egyptian Export Center – HB continues to expand its international footprint by combining agricultural expertise, modern logistics, and strong customer focus, making it a standout exporter in Egypt’s fresh produce sector.