"We are known for our high-quality fresh herbs that are asked for by our clients," says Avihay Wein, Marketing Manager of Aviv export, based in Israel. They specialize in the export of fresh herbs and other agricultural products from Israel and a few more countries to mainly Europe and the rest of the world.
"We export herbs, with basil being the most important. We have chives, mint, oregano, dill, and Salicornia, all different kinds of fresh herbs which are being sent by air from Israel. The volume fluctuates and it depends if it is summer or winter.
"We are a medium-sized company that sends five to seven tons per week. We have the ability to send even more tons to, especially Europe. Our products arrive two to three times a week in Europe, sent from Tel Aviv. We have a warehouse in Holland, and from there, we send it where the customer needs it. Our main markets at the moment are France, Germany, Holland, Belgium, and more. Our aim is to look mostly towards Sweden, Denmark, and those areas that is new territory for us. We sold a little bit in Denmark, but it is not enough."
The consistently strong Israeli currency, the Shekel, is an ongoing challenge for Aviv. "The strong Shekel remains a challenge. When it is strong, it means the price goes up in Europe. It's a huge challenge, we have to work and sell in Europe, but it is not always that easy. There is no other option; wholesalers, trucks, gas, electricity, and fuel prices are all higher. Although it is not easy, we keep the focus on quality. For us, it is the most important thing. We do not work with low quality, all products are of high quality, and that is the feedback we receive from our clients. The supermarkets and clients with small shops alike all ask for our products. We talk to all of them in Europe," states Wein.
While Aviv exports focus mostly on fresh herbs, they also send flowers and a 'little bit' of exotic fruits to customers. They have a network of farmers as suppliers who have the necessary global certifications. "We do not work with a lot of farmers, and we have our group of farmers who we work with in fresh herbs. They all know we need the highest quality. We always need to keep the focus on the high quality. This is the focus of the clients too. We need to have something that the other companies don't have. My focus is on the farmers, one of them is my father. I used to be a farmer; now I am an exporter," concludes Wein.
For more information:
Avihay Wein
Aviv export
Tel: +972-4-6126011
Email: avihay@aviv-flower.co.il
Web: www.aviv-flower.co.il