The recent halt in vegetable imports from Jordan due to concerns over cholera contamination has highlighted Israel's dependency on imported produce. With a law now in place requiring stores to inform customers of the country of origin for all agricultural products, it's easier to track the volume of imports and their impact on prices.
According to Israel's Ministry of Agriculture, 224,586 tons of fruits and vegetables were imported between August 8, 2023, and August 7, 2024. Jordan leads as the top exporter, supplying over 46,500 tons of agricultural products, including tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, aubergines, zucchini, and more.
Turkey, previously a major exporter, saw a reduction in its exports to Israel due to political tensions and sanctions, but still sent over 43,000 tons of produce, such as tomatoes, pears, onions, and cucumbers.
The Netherlands ranks third, mainly exporting onions, carrots, cabbage, and potatoes. Italy is fourth, primarily exporting apples, with 30,735 tons shipped this past year. Italy also supplied Israel with the iconic prickly pear (sabra), with 12 tons imported.
Imports play a significant role in determining fruit and vegetable prices in Israel. Apples, the most imported fruit, reached 50,082 tons over the past year, with imports contributing to higher prices. One-third of apples consumed in Israel are imported, primarily from Italy, the U.S., and France.
Despite the increase in imports, particularly of tomatoes and cucumbers, prices remain high. Tomatoes, a staple in Israeli cuisine, saw 41,515 tons imported this year. However, most tomatoes consumed are locally grown, which keeps prices elevated despite regular promotions in stores.
With the new labelling law, consumers can easily check the country of origin for their fruits and vegetables. Despite local farmers' protests, the majority of garlic in Israel comes from China, while ginger mainly hails from Brazil and Thailand.
Source: vesty.co.il