Find Distributors and Retail Buyers in Egypt

Identifying the top retail channels in Egypt where you can sell your products is relatively straightforward. The real challenge lies in approaching and convincing them to carry your product, especially in a competitive and price-sensitive market.

A more practical route is to first find a reliable local distributor. A good distributor can introduce your brand to both traditional and modern retail channels across Egypt, and help you gain shelf presence. Starting online—via local platforms or social commerce—can also be a smart way to build visibility and test demand.

This article provides an overview of Egypt’s retail market and offers guidance on how to engage with Egyptian distributors and retailers effectively.

Distributor

Find the Right Retail Channels in Egypt

Egypt, with over 110 million people, is the most populous country in North Africa and a strategic hub connecting Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. The country’s urban middle class, young population, and strategic location make it a major consumer market in the region.

Egypt has a diversified economy with strong sectors in FMCG, agriculture, manufacturing, energy, and logistics. The retail sector is evolving fast, supported by expanding infrastructure, government reforms, and a shift towards organized trade.

Opportunities in Egypt include:

• Affordable packaged goods for mass consumption
• Health and personal care products
• Electronics and home appliances
• Food, snacks, beverages, and household items
• Sustainable and eco-friendly consumer products

Supermarket Chains in Egypt

Retail in Egypt is a mix of traditional markets, independent shops, and modern retail outlets. Modern retail has gained momentum, particularly in Cairo, Alexandria, Giza, and other urban centers.

Key supermarket and retail chains include:

• Carrefour Egypt – Operated by Majid Al Futtaim, with hypermarkets and supermarkets across the country
• Hyper One – One of the largest local chains with stores in Cairo and Sheikh Zayed
• Spinneys Egypt – Well-established with a wide range of imported and local products
• Gourmet Egypt – Premium food retail and online platform
• Kazyon – Discount chain with fast-growing store count across Egypt
• Awlad Ragab, Metro Market, and Seoudi – Local retail chains with strong consumer loyalty

Retailers usually prefer working with approved importers or local distributors, who handle customs clearance, warehousing, and merchandising support.

Travel to Egypt for a Better Impression

A business trip to Egypt allows you to:

• Explore both traditional and modern trade channels
• Visit key retail locations across Cairo, Alexandria, and regional cities
• Meet distributors, retailers, and local trade associations
• Attend industry-specific trade shows such as Food Africa or Africa Health ExCon

Use these platforms to plan your trip:

• Trip.com – Compare international flights
• Hotellook – Book hotel accommodations at competitive prices
• Localrent – Access reliable car rental services in Egypt

How to Start in Egypt: Distributors, Retailers or Online?

If you’re entering Egypt for the first time, you’ll likely work with distributors, retailers, or through e-commerce platforms to reach consumers.

Distributors

• Handle import regulations, customs clearance, and warehousing
• Have relationships with both traditional and modern trade outlets
• Expect competitive margins and marketing support

Retailers

• Require listing fees, planograms, and sales history
• May demand exclusive distributor or approved local partner
• Can significantly boost visibility and market share if onboarded

Online

• Growing fast through platforms like Amazon Egypt, Jumia, Carrefour Online, and Gourmet Egypt
• Social commerce via Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok is also strong
• Good for initial product testing and brand exposure

Key Question of Any Distribution Partner: "How Much Will I Earn?"

Distributors and retailers in Egypt are commercially savvy and selective. They only add a new product if it:

• Brings better returns than existing ones
• Has proven sales potential
• Comes with marketing or promotional support

Each player in the value chain evaluates:

• Margin per unit
• Turnover rate
• Payment terms
• Product shelf life

To convince them, present:

• Retail pricing structure and margin breakdown
• Projected sales volumes and POS rotation
• Support materials like marketing, training, or merchandising

Customs Clearance for Egypt

Importing into Egypt requires navigating:

• Customs duties and value-added tax (VAT)
• GOEIC (General Organization for Export and Import Control) for product conformity certification
• Labeling requirements in Arabic
• Product registration with authorities for food, cosmetics, and electronics

Partnering with a local distributor or Importer of Record (e.g., Tecex) ensures smoother customs clearance and regulatory compliance. Otherwise, delays and penalties can quickly escalate.

How to Draft Your Distributor Pitch?

When approaching Egyptian distributors or retailers:

• Focus on what’s in it for them—profits, ease of sales, and support
• Include concrete data: projected sales, product turnover, expected margins
• Clarify your support: marketing, logistics, training, and customer service

Your B2B pitch should be separate from consumer-oriented materials. Consider including:

• Net pricing and suggested retail price
• Product images and certifications
• Market positioning and consumer demand
• Sales success from similar markets (e.g., Morocco, UAE, Turkey)

Transparency builds trust—and trust is critical to doing business in Egypt.

Want help finding trusted Egyptian distributors and retail buyers?
We support international brands in identifying the right partners, managing local compliance, and building effective sales channels in Egypt.

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