ISRAEL

Feedback from the Trade on Their Plans and Interest in the USA Pear Season:

Turkey's total embargo on Israel has had a significant impact on the pear market in Israel. Turkey was an important source for importing pears to Israel. Importers are looking for alternative sources, and importing pears from the USA is on the table of the main importers.

Expectations for Any Freight or Logistics Challenges:

Orders have yet to be placed for the coming season.

Opportunities in Your Market for Specific Varieties, Sizes, and Grades:

Red Anjou is the most desired variety in Israel. The market can absorb about 2-3K tons of USA Pears under the best market conditions and with larger USA Pear crops.

Update on the Competition in the Market:

Local pears are the main competitors. Israel also imports pears from Greece, Italy, Spain, France and Romania. Right now there are still left over Argentinean Anjou pears in the market.

Political or Economic Issues Impacting Imports, Retail, or Consumer Behavior:

There are positive signs in the economic activity, among them: a decrease in the number of job seekers, an increase in private consumption, an increase in business revenue, an increase in the number of vacancies. Central Bureau of Statistics updated downward the economic growth rate in the second quarter, placing it at only 0.2% - a minimal annual growth of 0.7%, which indicates a negative per capita growth of 0.9%.

Other Brief Comments:

The prices of fruits and vegetables have jumped by about 25% in the last 10 years, compared to a 10% increase in the general price index.