A good early start for Israel’s avocado season 2023/24 up to Europe

The avocado industry in Israel, which is only beginning its 2023-24 harvest season, is observing strong demand early in European market for Greenskin variety. “The Greenskin season just started. The demand within the EU is strong for the moment however we anticipate an uphill season as we move towards the season’s peak,” states Yonatan Meron the Export Manager at Granot Fresh.

The expert warns that while this time of year is a good time to harvest Greenskin avocados, an historically significant market for the exports particularly Russia faces challenges. The main reason is the current international sanctions, as well as being excluded of Russia from the international payment system for banking. It makes payments and transfers coming from Russia difficult. “Bear your eyes on the turbulence that exists in Russia as it is a key marketplace for Israeli Greenskin,” warns Meron.

The Israeli Avocado Exports are expected to increase by the same amount that they did in 2021-22 season. “Total exports of 125,000 tonnes is anticipated. Hass is expected to be 75,000 tonnes and Greenskins 50 tons.”

Granot is the biggest agricultural cooperative in Israel which is part of 43 Kibbutzim which makes them one of the largest exporters and producers of citrus and avocados in Israel. They cultivate 3,200 acres of avocados and have more than 70 years of experience, says Meron.

Harvest starts in mid-October.

“The Hass season will begin in the mid-October period. The harvest will focus on choosing the fruits of areas with more dry matter. Beginning in November and continuing until March’s end, we’ll be entering what is known as the “main season” of Hass. There is a strong market for our Hass throughout the entire period, as the supply of some winter producers is very low, and we expect the market to be sub-stocked, mostly with larger quantities.”

The exchange rate between the Israeli Shekel (ILS) as well as the Euro dollar, the Pound, and the Dollar is watched closely. Their currency has over the many years been stronger than the other currencies and has resulted in lower profits for producers. The situation has changed since the new year began as the Shekel declining, which has brought in greater export profits. “As at present it is the exchange rate among the ILS and the Euro/GBP/Dollar rate is aiding our farmers to boost their returns,” states Meron.

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Yonatan Meron

Granot Fresh

Tel: +972 52 6808805

Email: yonatanm@granotfresh.com

www.granotfresh.com

Source: The Plantations International Agroforestry Group of Companies