Market Trends of Israel Fruits & Vegetables Industry
Technological Advancements in Farming
Israel, often called the "Startup Nation," has made remarkable advancements in agricultural technology, particularly in cultivating fruits and vegetables in the arid Negev desert. Renowned for its leadership in precision farming, Israel employs advanced computer systems to manage climate-controlled plastic greenhouses, focusing on high-value crops. However, despite being a significant producer of fruits and vegetables, Israeli farmers grapple with post-harvest losses, affecting their market value. To combat these losses, concerted efforts are underway at the farm level. A notable example is from August 2024, when Israeli startup Natural Offset Farming (NOF) unveiled "NOFcooling," an innovative cooling device harnessing liquid carbon dioxide for energy-efficient produce cooling in precision agriculture. This equipment can handle 500 kg, 200 kg, or 100 kg batches of fruits and vegetables. Given these advancements, Israel's cutting-edge agricultural technologies are set to boost fruit and vegetable yields, bolster food security, and enhance precision agriculture, all fueling market growth in the foreseeable future.
Fruits Are Highly Preferred In Israel
Israel is globally recognized for its advanced technology in agriculture, allowing the country to overcome challenges posed by climate and water scarcity, consequently boosting fruit production capacity. The country produces fruits, such as citrus fruits, bananas, pomegranates, avocados, loquat, and dates. According to the Food and Agricultural Organization, Israel's fruit production was 14.5 million metric tons in 2019, which increased to 16.3 million metric tons by 2022. Fruit production is dispersed throughout the country, ranging from the southern Eilot region to the northern Mount Hermon and from the Jordan River in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. Additionally, citrus fruits and avocados make up a substantial portion of Israel’s fruit production, accounting for about half of the total output. According to data from the United States Department of Agriculture in 2022, citrus fruits and avocados collectively represent 44.8% of overall fruit production in Israel.
Fruit consumption in Israel is closely associated with various health benefits, primarily attributed to the country's embrace of the Mediterranean diet. The Mediterranean diet, which is widely prevalent in Israel, consists of a variety of fruits. Research from various cohort and case studies indicates that a higher intake of the Mediterranean diet is linked to a decreased risk of developing various types of cancer, including digestive and breast cancer. The growing health consciousness among Israeli consumers, particularly the millennial demographic, has been fueling the consumption of fresh produce, particularly fruits.
