Israeli exporter Agrexco forecasts 1,300 tonnes of strawberries, comprising mostly its premium and exclusive variety Yuval®, and Tamar.
Assaf Adar, strawberry product manager, said Agrexco is increasing its use of seafreight in view of the high costs of air transport. It will use special controlled-atmosphere compartments on board its reefers for the fruit.
Adar estimates that if climatic conditions are favourable, the total export volume for this season could be even higher than the 1,300t forecast.
In addition to exporting Carmel-branded berries, Agrexco is handling the logistics and distribution of strawberries grown by Palestinian farmers in the Gaza region, who grow on 200 hectares.
These growers will send some 1,500t to western Europe under the Coral - Palestinian Produce label. Last year Palestinian producers exported 1,150t of the berries.
