Israel: 60% of all strawberries under Agrexco

Agrexco was founded in 1956 by the Israeli government. After a reorganization, the market share of Israeli fresh produce has become much smaller, but Agrexco is still a well-known brand. Agrexco Carmel sells vegetables, fruits, citrus and flowers and is particularly strong in the field of herbs, strawberries and avocado.

More fresh herbs to Eastern Europe
Carmel Agrexco is known worldwide for its spices. Outside a very wide range of herbs, the company markets samphire and micro herbs. The herbs are grown in Israel, but also in Africa. Agrexco exports the fresh herbs to selected customers through various marketing channels, such as supermarkets, packers, catering companies and wholesale markets, as well as through sales offices in Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. From Israel, the spices go directly (and increasingly) to customers in the Far East and Eastern Europe. "In the coming years we expect to grow more and more in fresh herbs," owner Gideon Bickel says.

Strawberries under Agrexco
The Israeli company is a leader in the field of research and development of strawberry varieties, the varieties Orly, Dandy and Yval in particular. They are successful because of early maturation in November, arriving on markets in November and December. Gideon: "For the holidays the demand for strawberries is high, and in January and February as well, as they’re highly available then. Our strawberries are known for their durability and high sugar content."

About 60% of the strawberries in Israel are of the Orly variety. All the strawberries of this variety are marketed under the brand Agrexco. In Israel, the strawberries are grown in low tunnels, but the idea is that more and more are to be grown in greenhouses and high tunnels. Agrexco is busy with new varieties. The company also looks at the possibility of bringing other products on the market, such as strawberries in pots for home use. "We also seek cooperation with large players in other countries. In the meantime we have an agreement with Australia, Bulgaria and Spain for the production and export of our varieties."

Processed avocados
Agrexco has recently become active in the manufacturing sector, with the production and export of avocado oil. The oil goes to Japan, as well as to other destinations. Even mashed avocado belongs to the range, the latter being shipped frozen. "These processed avocado products offer many opportunities for growers. There is now a solution for products that are not suitable for export or the local market. In the future, we hope to be able to partner with growers in Africa and South Africa."

gideon@agrexco.com