This avocado season, Israel has exported approximately 100,000 tons of avocados and expects to have exported a total of around 130,000 tons by the end of the season, similar to last year. The country continues to expand its avocado acreage, with an additional 500 to 1,000 hectares being planted annually in recent years. At a national conference in Israel dedicated to the green fruit, discussions focused on expanding into new markets, such as the Far East. Additionally, efforts are being made to stimulate local consumption, aiming to increase per capita avocado consumption to approximately 10 to 15 kg per year.
© Serezniy | Dreamstime Eitan Zvi, VP of Marketing at Galil Export, presented a report on Israel's avocado exports. The data showed that over 60% of the production of green avocado varieties, such as 'Ettinger' and 'Pinkerton,' is exported to Russia, followed by approximately 15-20% to Poland. Zvi also discussed the latest developments in avocado production and marketing in key producing countries such as Mexico, South Africa, and Chile. Some of these countries compete with Israel for market share in Western European countries, where black-skinned avocado varieties like 'Hass' are predominantly consumed.
The Migal Galilee Research Institute explained that climate change and extreme weather conditions are making avocado cultivation increasingly difficult in Israel. In addition to these challenges, Israel faces strong competition from other avocado-producing countries competing in international markets. Several research projects have been launched to support and protect growers, as well as to develop Hass-like varieties that are more resilient to colder conditions.
Source: Agronet.co.il and perot.org.il
