Despite low rainfall in the previous winter and the warm weather experienced in the last two months, this year’s apple crop in Israel will be higher and of higher quality than that of last year. The apple crop is expected to grow from 100,000 tons last season, to roughly 120,000 tons this year.
In recent years, peaks in demand around the Jewish high holiday period in early fall have caused temporary spikes in apple prices in the country. There were fears that the lackluster weather conditions could create another such situation; however the high crop forecasts will alleviate such concerns, ensuring sufficient supply for the peak demand periods as well as the entirety of the rest of the year.
Apple production in Israel has been on a growth path in general. Five years ago the total crop was around 70,000 tons, which has increased every year since. This growth trend has been attributed to improved varieties which were previously planted and are now coming into full production capacity, supplanted by an increased emphasis on modern growing practices. Treatment of the fruit after picking has also been an area of improvement, namely in the storage capability of several facilities around the major growing areas.
According to industry insiders, the recent development of the production capabilities of the country will ensure that supply will continue to meet demand at all times of the year. The focus will then be allowed to shift to quality production and to investment in more desired varieties while phasing out varieties that have fallen out of favor.