Egypt's success is also reflected in the steady growth of cultivated areas .The last three years witnessed and annual growth rate of 3.120 feddans and by 2006 it is expected that some 5.520 feddans in full production will be yielding over 35.000 tons.

At the same time, the EU market is not a growing one. On the contrary, it might be a shrinking one in terms of increasingly rigorous category management policies, with retailers limiting down their trade partners to one or two importers, to ensure best quality and reliability.

Therefore, tactics, such as extending the product's shelf life can prove more reliable. Post harvest techniques, like better manipulation and orchard management, enhanced packaging and so2 gas application and an uninterrupted cooling chain, can extend the product's shelf life considerably.

Another tactic is to grow more varieties. Thompson Seedless and Crimson Seedless are good options. Particularly favorable is crimson Seedless, due to its good flavor and crunchiness. If we can we could complete effectively during the late season extending from July to October .The same applies for Thompson Seedless, when Greece enters as the first exporter, so Egypt can try to enter between June-August.

Breeding new verities will also be essential in the near future. These will have to fulfill several conditions, such as being tasty, crispy and of big size, resistant to environmental constraints, labor friendly and free of plant growth regulators. Cutting down at costs can only go so far. The markets of the future will be looking more for a value added product. .However, to achieve this step, we must first adjust our laws to be able to join the international agreements that protect the breeders' intellectual property rights, mainly UPOV.