Egypt Overtakes Argentina as the World's #1 White Bean Exporter

Egypt's Rise to #1

Egypt has overtaken Argentina as the world's largest white bean (alubia) exporter, according to the Global Pulse Confederation's Pulse Atlas data. Production grew 145% between 2020 and 2025, driven by expanding acreage and Egypt's unique ability to harvest two crops per year.

The shift began when supply challenges from Argentina in the early 2010s led European buyers to test Egyptian white beans. According to industry sources, buyers found Egyptian alubias comparable—if not superior—in quality. Three consecutive poor Argentine crops from 2022 to 2024 further accelerated the transition, and Egypt has held the top position since 2023.

The Dual-Season Advantage

Egypt's competitive edge lies in its dual cropping system: a large summer crop and a smaller winter crop, delivering year-round supply capability that Argentina's single-season model cannot match.

For buyers of processed white bean products—dried, canned in brine, or canned in tomato sauce—this dual-season model means Egyptian suppliers can process and ship throughout the year, reducing the seasonal gaps and stock-out risks that single-origin sourcing from South America can create.

Why This Matters for White Bean Buyers

Quality has been validated by the market. Egypt didn't win the #1 position on price alone. European buyers—the world's largest white bean importers—tested Egyptian alubias against Argentine product and found them equal or superior. This quality validation from the most demanding import market is a strong signal for buyers in other regions.

Supply reliability is improving. With production growing every year since 2020 and acreage continuing to expand, Egypt offers a deepening supply base. The dual-season structure means processors have access to fresh raw material twice per year, supporting consistent quality and continuous production of canned and dried formats.

Logistics favour European, MENA, and African buyers. Egypt's proximity to these markets—with Mediterranean port access via Damietta and Alexandria—gives Egyptian white beans a freight cost and transit time advantage over Argentine product, especially for buyers in Europe, the Gulf, and North/East Africa.

Saporina's White Bean Products

Saporina offers Egyptian white beans in three formats—dried in bulk, canned in brine, and canned in tomato sauce—sourced from both summer and winter harvests. Available in industrial, HORECA, and retail packs with private label capability and full export documentation (EUR.1, COMESA, health certificates).