Israel: Above average apple crop expected this year
In 2012 the expectation is for 125 000 tones thanks to the excellent apple growing conditions this year. Although there is an increase in quantity the fruit is still larger than usual. Consumption per capita in Israel is an average of about 125 kg apples a year!
The world annual production of apples ranges around 50-60 million tones. Major production areas are: China (25-30 million tons), Europe (9 million tons) and the United States (5 million tons).
Israel is on the edge of areas suitable fro apple cultivation. The vast majority of apples are grown in northern Israel, the hills of Galilee and the Golan at heights of at least 600 meters above sea level.
in General Israel does not export apples to Europe. There have been exports to Syria by Druze communities, mainly in recent years. The demand in Syria is for about 8,000 tons per year. The fruit is stored in refrigerated modern cold storage facilities based in the region, thanks to the development of infrastructure and advanced packaging that does not exist in Syria. This allows for a year round supply.
Israel also imports apples in minimal quantities of about 2,000 tons from the US and Europe.
The main varieties in the country are: Golden (green - yellow), Starking (red), Grannysmith (green), Gala"(red - yellow), Pinklady" (red - yellow), Jonathan (red) and ana (red - green).Ana is a local breed, which was developed by in the Kibbutz Ein Shemer, and is the only type that can grow in the hot conditions of the south of Israel.
For more information:
Ari Goren
Tel: +_972 (0)54 572 2038
[email protected]