Israel’s 2004 avocado exports reached 50,000 tonnes; a 66 per cent rise in volume compared with 2003, according to Giora Sella, secretary general of the Israel Fruit Growers Association.
And it is estimated that 2005-06 avocado export volume from Israel will increase by 15-20 per cent on 2004’s total. Sella explained that the rise in export volume is a result of new avocado orchards coming on stream. The new orchards are given over to production of varieties preferred by European consumers, particularly Hass.
Sella noted that 50 per cent of the export total was shipped to France, 40 per cent to other western European countries including the UK and the remaining 10 per cent to various sales destinations throughout the world.
Other factors that contributed to the increase in exports in 2004 were high yields in all orchards, due to good climatic conditions, and improved growing techniques. Good fruit quality, adherence to food-safety protocols and an upgrade in exporters’ logistics infrastructure in Europe also helped boost sendings.
Israel’s leading avocado exporter is Agrexco, which registered export volumes of 35,000t during the season, followed by Mehadrin-Tnuport Export and the Kedem Citrus company.
“The success of avocado exports as well as the success in potato and vegetable export to Europe is testimony that Israel’s agriculture can be very competitive on the markets,” said Sella. “It can generate profits to our growers as well to such sectors and services as the input industry, the export companies and a wide range of services that support the cultivation, logistics and marketing strategies.”
