The local market for avocado is also significant, with per capita consumption of up to 5kg per year, one of the highest rates in the world. Out of the 80,000 tons produced annually 35%-40% are directed to the local market while the rest is exported.
Almost all of the avocado production exported from Israel is sent to the European market, where during the winter months Israel is often the top supplier of avocados. According to exporter Oron Ziv of BeFresh Europe, the demand for Israeli avocado has been steadily growing in Europe, "some years are better than others, but the overall trend in recent years has been more demand." As a consequence, growers in Israel have been increasing their production by planting roughly 250 hectares per year.
Part of the advantage for Israeli avocado growers is the availability of different varieties which come into production at different times, allowing for a longer export season. The most wanted variety remains the Hass, with some 35% of the overall production and over 60% of new plantings. The other common varieties are all green varieties such as Ettinger, Fuerte, Pinkerton, Arddit, Nabal, and Arad. These varieties are preferred in the local market and have been preferred by many growers; however Ziv adds that "the smart thing to do today is to plant Hass. Even though the green varieties get high prices right now, the demand from supermarket clients is for Hass. There is also more demand for ready-to-eat fruit and the Hass is also better for that."
Regarding the coming avocado season, Ziv says that "it is too early to say for sure how the next season will look." Israel has had an unusually warm winter that could affect the production. "Currently the trees are in bloom and by those conditions things look good. It looks like there will be a lot of fruit for export. We will know more as the season gets closer."
For more information:
Oron Ziv
BeFresh Europe Ltd.
Tel: +972 4 6191736
Fax: +972 4 672 5001
Mob: +972 52 325 2464
oron@befreshcorp.net
www.befreshcorp.com