Israel: “Ready to eat avocado makes the difference”
Market for pomegranates stable
"Currently, we have plenty of pomegranates available, including the popular Wonderful variety. Last year we had some problems, but this season, both the volume and the quality is good. The strong growth that we have seen in recent years has stabilized. Our growers are expanding their business, and so is Galilee Export. This season we expect to distribute some 4,500 tons, perhaps even 5,000 tons next year."
A large part of the pomegranates goes to Europe. The larger sizes are intended for export to Russia and Asia. Turkey has in recent years become a major player in the pomegranate market. According to Dror, demand in Europe is as yet sufficient to operate successfully in the market.
Avocado rising commodity
Israel is a very favorable country for growing avocados. Due to the geographical conditions, the climate is very diverse. Israel has the added advantage of releasing its avocados in the market at precisely the right time. The export season starts in October with the green varieties. "By then, only some late avocados from Peru are on the market. Then, in December, we start with the Hass avocados, which are available until April. About half of all avocados are of the Hass variety.” The green avocados are available through April. Most of these are destined for Russia. Dror notes that the avocado in Israel is similar to the fruit from other producer countries. However, the Israeli ones “contain more oil, are very clean and ripen evenly”.
The avocados are grown throughout Israel. The production is still steadily increasing. "The health trend and the many practical uses certainly contribute to the popularity of the avocado." The ready-to-eat segment in particular seems promising. According to Dror, ready to eat avocados really make a difference. Galilee annually exports more than 20,000 tons. This season, the cooperative expects to export about 10% more avocados than last year. European countries such as France, UK, the Netherlands and Germany are major destinations.
Europe reluctant
Dror says that trade with Europe is slightly more problematic, possibly due to the Russian boycott. According to him, importers are reluctant. Still, Europe remains the main destination.