Egyptian group Dakahlia for Agricultural Development Company is expected to spend EGP90 million (US$5 million) in the coming year to build a new packhouse next to another one due for completion, Daily News Egypt reported.

The story reported the new packhouse would be dedicated to citrus with a capacity to turn out 500 metric tons (MT) per day, and would be next to another station specializing in table grapes - with a capacity of 200MT per day - which is set to open in early 2018 for a total cost of EGP70 million (US$4 million).

The packhouses are in Minya, near the Nile River around 280km (173mi) south of the Egyptian capital Cairo.

Exports director Hossam Abdel Baki told the publication his company exported grapes, citrus fruit, pomegranates, potatoes, onions, dates and raisins, with more than 30 market destinations including Russia, Europe and the Arab Gulf countries.

He said the group was yet to expand in northern Europe, Canada and the United States, where small shipments had already been sent, adding exports in the first half of the year hit US$20 million and would likely reach US$30 million by the year's end, the story reported.