Israeli avocado industry sees strong recovery with record-breaking harvest
ISRAEL – Israeli avocado producers are celebrating a robust rebound in production this year, following a challenging 2023.
The avocado yield, which saw a disappointing drop last year, is set to hit new highs in 2024.
In 2023, adverse weather conditions led to a significant decline in avocado production, with the harvest totaling about 150,000 tons, down from the record 210,000 tons in 2022.
However, current forecasts suggest a remarkable recovery, with this year’s yield expected to approach 250,000 tons—an impressive 60% increase from the previous year.
Recent years have seen a steady increase in avocado cultivation in Israel. Official data reveals that the area planted with avocados grew from 4,000 hectares in 2004 to 14,300 hectares in 2024.
The majority of these new orchards have emerged in areas like Gedera, south of Tel Aviv, where avocados now grow alongside pomegranates and citrus fruits.
Galilee Exports and Granot Fresh are two of the main players in this sector. Galilee Exports operates three major packing houses and manages around 6,500 hectares of avocado orchards.
Granot Fresh, part of Israel’s largest cooperative, oversees about 3,200 hectares. Despite fierce competition from countries like Morocco, Spain, and Chile, Israel’s avocado sector continues to thrive.
Approximately 50% of Israel’s avocado production is exported, with the rest consumed locally. The two primary exporters, Galilee Exports and Granot Fresh, together account for 70% of the country’s avocado exports.
Another significant player, Mehadrin, contributes an additional 14%. The Hass variety dominates exports, making up about 60%, while green-skinned varieties like Ettinger and Pinkerton represent the remaining 40%.
Efforts to expand into new markets are ongoing, with a focus on the Far East and other emerging regions. Recently, Galilee Exports invested in Peru, managing 100 hectares and producing 1,200 tonnes of avocados to supplement its global supply.
Domestically, avocado consumption has risen from 8 kilograms per person per year to 12 kilograms. This increase is supported by new retail innovations, including ready-to-eat avocados that are treated in controlled environments to ripen just before reaching store shelves.
Israeli avocado growers are also adopting precision irrigation techniques to optimize yields. This method addresses the avocado tree’s sensitivity to both drought and over-irrigation, ensuring high-quality production.
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Israeli avocado industry sees strong recovery with record-breaking harvest
ISRAEL – Israeli avocado producers are celebrating a robust rebound in production this year, following a challenging 2023.
The avocado yield, which saw a disappointing drop last year, is set to hit new highs in 2024.
In 2023, adverse weather conditions led to a significant decline in avocado production, with the harvest totaling about 150,000 tons, down from the record 210,000 tons in 2022.
However, current forecasts suggest a remarkable recovery, with this year’s yield expected to approach 250,000 tons—an impressive 60% increase from the previous year.
Recent years have seen a steady increase in avocado cultivation in Israel. Official data reveals that the area planted with avocados grew from 4,000 hectares in 2004 to 14,300 hectares in 2024.
The majority of these new orchards have emerged in areas like Gedera, south of Tel Aviv, where avocados now grow alongside pomegranates and citrus fruits.
Galilee Exports and Granot Fresh are two of the main players in this sector. Galilee Exports operates three major packing houses and manages around 6,500 hectares of avocado orchards.
Granot Fresh, part of Israel’s largest cooperative, oversees about 3,200 hectares. Despite fierce competition from countries like Morocco, Spain, and Chile, Israel’s avocado sector continues to thrive.
Approximately 50% of Israel’s avocado production is exported, with the rest consumed locally. The two primary exporters, Galilee Exports and Granot Fresh, together account for 70% of the country’s avocado exports.
Another significant player, Mehadrin, contributes an additional 14%. The Hass variety dominates exports, making up about 60%, while green-skinned varieties like Ettinger and Pinkerton represent the remaining 40%.
Efforts to expand into new markets are ongoing, with a focus on the Far East and other emerging regions. Recently, Galilee Exports invested in Peru, managing 100 hectares and producing 1,200 tonnes of avocados to supplement its global supply.
Domestically, avocado consumption has risen from 8 kilograms per person per year to 12 kilograms. This increase is supported by new retail innovations, including ready-to-eat avocados that are treated in controlled environments to ripen just before reaching store shelves.
Israeli avocado growers are also adopting precision irrigation techniques to optimize yields. This method addresses the avocado tree’s sensitivity to both drought and over-irrigation, ensuring high-quality production.
Sign up to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World HERE.