ISRAEL

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

Six containers of Anjou pears from the USA arrived in Israel in the last few days and were released from the port without any problem. These USA Pears are starting to be distributed in the marketing chains and specialized stores. There is not yet any information about sales and buyer satisfaction.

Expectations for Any Freight or Logistics Challenges:

Only one shipping company, MSC, visits ports in the western US and reaches ports in Israel. It should also be taken into account that as long as the Bab el-Mandab Straits are dangerous for transit, the solutions are either to circumnavigate Africa or to pass through the Panama Canal. This situation significantly increases the price of transportation.

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

The Israeli market expects pears from the US, which are considered the best on the market. Since the local harvest is small, larger imports are expected to supply the approximately 35K tons that Israel consumes. The ideal size is between 100 and 80. The most desirable variety is Red Anjou.

Update on the Competition in the Market:

The first competitor is the local crop, which starts with the small, yellow Coscia pears and continues throughout the season with the Spadona pears. There are imports from Greece, Italy, Spain and France. The massive imports from Turkey are blocked due to political circumstances. Since the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, the growers are returning to the pear orchards and are starting to rehabilitate them in the entire northern region, which until recently was declared a military zone where entry is prohibited.

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

GDP is expected to grow in 2024 at a rate of 0.5% and in 2025 at 3.8%. The inflation rate in 2024 is expected to be 3.8%, and during 2025 it is expected to moderate to 2.8%.

Other Brief Comments:

Pear importers are currently expecting to bring in about 30 containers of pears in the 2024-2025 season, mostly Red Anjou.