An importer of blueberries and table grapes into Israel says the consumer demand in his country has not waned for these healthy fruits, despite the complications in the local market. Yair Bar-Hai from the fresh produce importing company Lucky Berry: "Blueberry prices are very high. This is because of the war, with fewer airline companies flying to Israel. Airfreight went really high. Prices are crazy now."
Yair Bar-Hai (right) with his son visiting a table grape pack house in South Africa.
Lucky Berry mainly import blueberries and table grapes, with the company based between Haifa and Tel Aviv on the coast. "Lucky Berry mainly imports grapes and blueberries. That's our main business. We import all kinds of berries that include raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, that all come from Europe. We also import blueberries from Peru, who have been short in supply due to the local conditions there. We will soon be switching to the Spanish supply of blueberries. This will help to bring prices down a bit too," states Bar-Hai.
He says Israeli's enjoy blueberries and table grapes. "People here like these fruit types a lot. It's not so easy to grow blueberries in Israel with our hot weather. Although we have some production of these fruits in Israel, it's good that we have imports as well. The price of blueberries are starting to lower as more and more companies are returning to Israel with more regular flights."
South African table grape exports still flowing to Israel
Bar-Hai, has just returned to Israel after visiting table grape farmers and their export partner in South Africa. He says that, despite a supposed 'ban' by certain companies of South African table grapes, due to the South African Government's case against Israel at the world court, grape exports are still flowing.
"I just returned from South Africa where the table grape quality I have seen in the vineyards looks very good. The supposed ban had some effects on the volume of the grapes to Israel, but for me the trading volumes are kept more or less the same. I have seen the Autumn Crisp, Crimson, Adora, Sweet Celebration, all the grape varieties are really doing well in South Africa. The volume to Israel will in the end be more or less the same like last year," states Bar-Hai.
He concludes bay saying the strong Israeli currency has always helped importers to buy fruit from overseas. "Since the war the Shekel was a bit weaker. Now it's back to normal and strong again."
For more information:
Yair Bar-Hai
Lucky Berry
Tel: +972 54-426-0669
Email: [email protected]
www.Luckyberry.co.il