Potatoes important product in Israel

Potatoes are an important product in Israel, as Israelis consume about 5,000 tons of potatoes per week. That's 700 tons per day. During holidays, consumption may increase by 50%. In addition, the export of potatoes is of great importance to the country’s economy.

Israel currently cultivates about 30 different varieties of potatoes, divided into three main varieties: white potatoes, mainly for the domestic market, varieties with yellow skin for export, and red varieties, also intended for the domestic market, particularly suitable for frying.

2012/2013 was one of the best seasons for potato growing in Israel. Although the season started with lots of rain and storm, which damaged a portion of the harvest, export prices were very favourable, and on top of that the prices in the spring also turned out beneficial due to the shortage in Europe and thanks to good management and good storage communication.

Potatoes are currently grown on 165,000 hectares. 625,000 tons go to cold storage, 275,000 tons are for the local fresh market; 80,000 tons goes to the processing industry and some 240,000 tons is being exported. Another 30,000 tons is put aside for the production of seed potatoes. Total turnover amounts to approximately $ 1 billion.

Potato acreage constitutes about 23% of the total area for growing fresh vegetables in Israel (1.25 million tons per year). About 40 kg per capita is consumed per year, the overall fresh fruit consumption being 170 kg.