MO Group expands food exports into Africa, Europe and the Caribbean
The Egyptian food manufacturer is targeting South Africa, Romania, Cuba and several other markets as it broadens its international footprint.
EGYPT – Egyptian food manufacturer MO Group for Food Industries is accelerating its international expansion strategy by entering new markets across Africa, Europe and the Caribbean as it seeks to reduce its dependence on a limited number of export destinations.
The company aims to strengthen its presence in established markets while entering new territories, expanding its customer base and adapting its product portfolio to suit changing consumer preferences in different regions.
Hamdy El-Abrak, chairman of MO Group, said the company has already begun implementing the strategy by launching operations in South Africa, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Cuba and Haiti.
He said the initiative is designed to diversify the company’s export markets while strengthening its long-term growth prospects.
“The selection of new markets is not based solely on the expected level of demand, but also involves studying distribution channels, identifying products suited to local consumers, and assessing importers’ requirements regarding specifications, packaging, and pricing,” El-Abrak said.
The company considers South Africa a particularly important market because of its strategic position within the African continent. According to El-Abrak, the country could serve as a gateway to several neighbouring markets where demand for Egyptian food products continues to grow.
Alongside South Africa, the group is targeting Somalia, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and Madagascar as part of its broader African expansion strategy.
MO Group said its activities in the region will be supported by participation in trade fairs, business missions and direct meetings with importers to strengthen commercial relationships and gain a better understanding of local market requirements.
In Europe, the company plans to expand sales in Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary while increasing its footprint in Germany, Sweden, Denmark and Belgium.
El-Abrak emphasised that each European market presents unique opportunities and challenges.
“European markets differ in terms of consumer preferences, package sizes, and quality and packaging requirements, making it necessary to approach each market according to its specific needs,” he said.
He added that increasing Egyptian exports to European countries would depend largely on maintaining high quality standards and offering competitive products.
The company is also expanding into Cuba and Haiti, marking its first significant move into the Caribbean market. According to El-Abrak, the initiative will help the company establish new distribution channels and evaluate consumer demand in the region.
“Export expansion cannot be achieved simply by sending a shipment to a new market. It requires continuous follow-up, product development based on customer feedback, and a reliable and consistent supply flow,” he said.
Despite the expansion strategy, Arab countries, including Sudan, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Tunisia and Morocco, will remain among the company’s most important export destinations.
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
