As pandemic wilts other industries, Egyptian vineyards flourish

Egyptian grape growers are celebrating a profitable season as the coronavirus pandemic raises demand from European importers.
Egyptian women carry trays full of harvested grapes for making wine on their heads in a vineyard in Abul Motamir, 200 kilometers north of Cairo 19 August 2007. Egyptian wine-growing business is aiming to supply the increased consumption tourism brings taking advantage of weather conditions that favor rapid vine development. AFP PHOTO/CRIS BOURONCLE (Photo credit should read CRIS BOURONCLE/AFP via Getty Images)
Egyptian women carry trays full of harvested grapes for making wine on their heads in a vineyard in Abul Motamir, north of Cairo, on Aug. 19, 2007. - CRIS BOURONCLE/AFP via Getty Images
Al Monitor: The Pulse of the Middle East
Ahmed Elleithy
@adonisahmed

Egyptian grape growers are singing in happiness as rising demand for their vines is filling their coffers with cash.

Owners of vineyards in Egypt seem to have struck gold this season with growing demand from European importers. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a game-changer for Egyptian growers of not only grapes but also potatoes, citrus and onions.

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