Israel: 60% of all strawberries under Agrexco

Agrexco was founded in 1956 by the Israeli government. After a reorganization, the market share of the Israeli fresh produce market has decreased considerably, but Agrexco still manages to be a 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
Agrexco Carmel is known worldwide for its herbs. Outside a wide range of herbs, the company also offers samphire and micro herbs. The plants 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, Netherlands and the United Kingdom. An increasing volume goes directly to customers in the Far East and Eastern Europe. "In the coming years we expect to expand more with 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. These are mostly successful because of early maturation in November, allowing marketable produce in November and December. Gideon: "For the holidays the demand for strawberries is high, as is demand in January and February. Our strawberries are known for their shelf life and high sugar content."

About 60% of the strawberries in Israel is 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 plan is to cultivate more and more in greenhouses and high tunnels. Agrexco is busy with new varieties. The company also looks at the possibility of bringing other products to market, such as strawberries in pots for home use. "We also seek to increase 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 processing sector with the production and export of avocado oil. Even mashed avocado belongs to the range. This product is 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 local market. That saves a lot of waste. A real win-win situation, that should give us access to companies in Africa and South Africa."

gideon@agrexco.com