Generally speaking, cherries have been considered a growth market for Israeli growers, as seen by an increase in the growing area in recent years. Israelis consume fresh cherries nearly exclusively, as opposed to canned or processed, giving an advantage to local production over imports. The local season is short however, beginning in late May and lasting into July, and for the rest of the year cherry imports fill the gap.
The increase in local production has led Israeli cherry growers to examine several export markets as potential destinations for excess supply. Israel’s cherry season coincides with that of European growing areas, making it difficult to compete during the height of the season; there has been some limited success marketing early cherries to Northern Europe and the UK, as well as marketing organic cherries to specialty supermarkets.
These small successes and the continued maturation of the local production could lead to more interest in export, with markets such as South Africa and Southeast Asia being potential targets for expansion.