Israel: Fig demand this year higher than anticipated
After the Turkish season is over, around October, Avniv Israel kicks off the autumn-winter campaign, with a variety that is harvested between October and January, depending on weather conditions. “The last winter campaign was a bit of a disaster, as Israel had a lot of rain in December, as well as some snow and hail. This year, so far, we have had a very nice season with high levels of demand, despite some small temporary difficulties with supply that drove prices down,” says Mrs Ben Zion.
In terms of volumes, the company this season has exported around 20% more than last year, while Israel’s shipments as a whole have remained stable. Demand has also been higher than anticipated. Niva Ben Zion explains that “I work with some pretty big growers, and I will only take more when I know I have programmes to support them with. This year I literally needed much more than I had due to the great levels of demand.”
Avniv Israel also offers pitahaya, whose season normally starts around July-August. According to Mrs Ben Zion, “pitahaya is a tricky business, as it is very unpredictable when it comes to the timespan between pollination and harvest. Supply volumes are also unstable, because they work in cycles (or waves). The season is like a rocking chair. This year there may be additional issues, as the war is taking place close to the main production areas.”
Regarding the next fig season, the company expects a very good campaign throughout the winter, “as in that period we will have a large production and very few competitors. Brazil will also be in the market, although supermarkets & some importers tend to prefer the Israeli produce, which is usually considered to be safer, as our figs are produced naturally and contain no residues,” concludes Niva Ben Zion.
For more information:
Niva Ben Zion
Avniv
Tel: +972-2-9941047
Fax:+972-2-9941374
Mobile: +972-52-4399800
Sales: sales@avniv.com