Targeted market

Oil: The target customers are cosmetics and skin care industry in international market.

Fruit pulp: The target customers are jam and juice producers in international and local market.

Fruit peel and seeds meal: The target customers are local fodder producers.

Project description

Processing of Prickly Pear fruits to produce Prickly Pear Oil.

The oil will be extracted from the seeds. The pulp of the fruit, the peels and the seeds-meal are considered as by-products.

Competitive edge

The main equipment required for the production facility is available locally. Prickly pears are cultivated in Egypt in large quantities and their prices are relatively low compared to the rest of the world. In addition, cost-competitive labour is available in Egypt.

Market features

Size 2.81 billion USD globally in 2022 – Egypt’s growth 17% (2022 compared to 2021)

Prickly pear fruit tonnage

Scenario 1
200-ton

Scenario 2
500-ton

Investment

23.5 million EGP

43.1 million EGP

IRR

71%

105%

Simple payback

1.9 years

1.0 year

Required Input

200 to 500 tons of prickly pears per year.
Land area for the factory.

Process/Technology

Removing the prickles, Pulping, Washing, Drying, Cold pressing, Filtration, Storage and Packing.

Equipment

Coarse brusher for removing the prickles, Pulping, Washer, Dryer, Cold pressing, Filtration, Storage and Packing machines.

Human Resources

Technicians, Machines operators, and Drivers

Risks and Mitigation Measures

Difficulties in marketing the pulp in the local market since it is still emerging, which could be mitigated by exporting the pulp.

The season of prickly pears is about 70 days. The factory should process other fruits for the rest of the year to increase its profitability.

Environmental impact

Utilization of the peels in fodder and compost production will reduce environmental impact as compared to using traditional resource-consuming products.

Social impact

Provides direct and indirect job opportunities in different production stages and value chain.

Location of Supply

It can be purchased from primary producers and/or traders.