Israeli citrus production will reach 551 thousand metric tonnes

Israel is a medium-sized producer and exporter of fresh citrus fruit. Post forecasts that Israel’s citrus production in MY 2013/2014 will reach 551 thousand metric tonnes (TMT). About one-third of local citrus production is mandarin (easy peeler) varieties and the most produced mandarin is the Or/Orri variety, about 62 TMT in MY 2013/14.

Post estimates that in MY 2013/14 Israel will export roughly 175 TMT of its harvest. It is anticipated that Israel will likely process again some 200 TMT, or 36 percent of the crop. The balance of 176 TMT will be consumed as fresh citrus fruit in the local market.

Due to unfavourable weather conditions in MY 2012/2013, citrus production totalled 516 TMT, a 12 percent decrease compared to the previous MY. About 167 TMT (31 percent) was exported. In addition, 175 TMT was processed, and the balance of 175 TMT was consumed fresh, in the local market.

The “Star Ruby” (grapefruit) and “Or/Orri” mandarin varieties alone account for 36 and 29 percent of total citrus exports, respectively. Oranges (mainly the Shamouti variety) on the other hand, continue to see their export market share significantly drop.

Russia and Ukraine have increased their market share in terms of Israeli citrus exports in recent years, buying now about 25 percent of the total of Israeli citrus exports.

About two-thirds of citrus deliveries to domestic processors in recent years have been grapefruit. Orange deliveries for processing have continued the decline noted in recent years.

Citrus planted area totalled 19,200 hectares in 2013. Out of the total planted citrus area, 5,000 hectares are the Or/Orri mandarin variety.

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Publication date: Tue 24 Dec 2013