El Heba for Agricultural Development is a leading Egyptian producer and exporter of fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, serving international markets with high-quality, value-added agricultural products. Headquartered in the Second Industrial Area of Ismailia, the company leverages Egypt’s fertile lands and favorable climate to supply global clients with traceable, export-compliant produce year-round.
Company Background
Founded by Mostafa Derb, El Heba has established itself as a trusted agribusiness operator with an integrated model spanning cultivation, processing, packaging, and global distribution. The company operates with a commitment to food safety, sustainability, and customer responsiveness, exporting to clients across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
With a strategic location near the Suez Canal and key agricultural zones, El Heba efficiently manages land-side logistics and cold chain infrastructure to maintain product freshness from farm to port.
Core Business Activities
- Production & Sourcing: Fresh citrus and fruit cultivation, alongside long-term supplier partnerships for vegetable sourcing.
- Processing & Freezing: IQF (Individual Quick Freezing) and blast-freezing of seasonal fruits and vegetables in hygienic, certified facilities.
- Packaging & Labeling: Retail, wholesale, and private label formats tailored to destination markets.
- Export & Documentation: Full service for export documentation, customs clearance, and reefer shipment handling.
Product Offerings
El Heba offers a dual product portfolio comprising both fresh and frozen categories:
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Fresh Fruits:
- Citrus fruits: Oranges (Valencia, Navel), Lemons, Mandarins
- Pomegranates
- Grapes
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Frozen Fruits:
- Strawberries (whole, diced)
- Mango (slices, cubes)
- Guava pulp
- Pomegranate arils
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Frozen Vegetables:
- Peas
- Green beans
- Okra
- Mixed vegetables
- Artichoke hearts
All products are processed under strict hygiene protocols and packaged for foodservice, retail, and bulk distribution depending on client specifications.
Unique Selling Proposition
- Integrated Fresh + Frozen Export Capability: One of few Egyptian companies offering both categories under a single export service.
- Flexible Packaging Formats: From 400g retail bags to 10kg bulk cartons.
- Strategic Location: Proximity to Ismailia Port and cold chain corridors connecting to Alexandria and Port Said.
- Technical Expertise: Skilled personnel managing IQF lines and cold storage facilities with 24/7 temperature monitoring.
Financial and Market Insights
Although financial figures are not disclosed, export volumes and destination breadth indicate sustained business growth:
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Estimated Export Volume:
- Fresh citrus: 5,000–6,000 metric tons/year
- Frozen fruits and vegetables: 2,500–3,500 metric tons/year
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Primary Export Destinations:
- Gulf States: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain
- Europe: Germany, Netherlands, Poland
- Asia: Malaysia, India
- Africa: Kenya, South Africa
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Client Segments:
- Importers and distributors
- Foodservice suppliers
- Supermarket chains
- Juice and dessert processors
Shipment Data
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Packing & Processing Facilities:
- HACCP-aligned plant in Ismailia
- IQF tunnel and blast freezer units
- On-site quality control laboratory
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Shipping Operations:
- Sea freight in refrigerated containers (20ft and 40ft)
- Air freight for urgent frozen orders
- Phytosanitary inspections per shipment
-
Load Frequencies:
- Weekly citrus container shipments during harvest (Dec–April)
- Year-round frozen product availability based on harvest cycles
Target Markets
El Heba caters to diverse international segments:
- Wholesale Produce Markets
- Frozen Food Importers
- Supermarket Chains and Private Labels
- Catering and HORECA Supply Chains
- Ingredient Buyers for Processing Industries
Its ability to manage both chilled and frozen logistics positions the company uniquely within Egypt’s exporter landscape.
Operational Capabilities
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Cold Chain Infrastructure:
- -20°C frozen storage and pre-cooling chambers
- Real-time temperature monitoring
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Laboratory Testing:
- Microbiological and pesticide residue checks
- In-house MRL verification for EU and GCC markets
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Technical Team:
- Export documentation, foreign trade compliance, and QA personnel fluent in Arabic, English, and French
Certifications and Compliance
El Heba adheres to international food safety and export compliance standards:
- HACCP – Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points
- ISO 22000 – Food Safety Management System
- Phytosanitary Certificates – Issued per batch for export
- FDA Registration – For U.S.-bound frozen goods
- EU MRL Compliance – For all fresh produce exports
Customer Testimonials
“El Heba is our top supplier for frozen mango and strawberries. Their product consistency is unmatched.” — Foodservice Buyer, UAE
“We’ve worked with them for five seasons of citrus exports. Responsive, professional, and on time.” — Importer, Poland
Achievements
- Expanded Frozen Line Capacity by 40% (2022–2024)
- Developed Private Label Programs for clients in UAE and Saudi Arabia
- Launched IQF Pomegranate Arils and Mango Cubes to meet growing demand in Southeast Asia
- Recognized by Egypt’s Export Development Authority for agribusiness excellence
El Heba for Agricultural Development continues to drive growth through a commitment to product quality, food safety, and global market alignment, making it one of Egypt’s most dependable suppliers of both fresh and frozen agricultural goods.
