Israel potato export in jeopardy

Israel saw the volume of table potatoes exported to Europe decline in 2017. A total of 175.000 tons were exported to the European Union (EU). That is 17.000 tons less than in 2016, but still more than the volume of 2015 and 2014.

Yet the sector clearly notices less interest in their product. The United Kingdom (UK) in particular is failing. In light of the current potato market, expectations for 2018 are not high.

The English are failing
With a total tonnage of 46.000 tonnes, the UK is the largest individual buyer of Israeli potatoes. The Benelux, Germany and France are major customers on mainland Europe. Elsewhere there are no significant volumes. France is the largest buyer here, followed by the Benelux and Germany. About 113.500 tons went to Western Europe in 2017, half of which arrived in the Netherlands. This volume has also declined. In 2016, 121.000 tons were exported.

Decline in summer harvest
The 'winter cultivation' is now in the ground. This area is comparable to last year, insiders report. A decline in the area is expected, especially for summer cultivation. An estimated 15% to 20%. The European market is a buyer of both the winter and summer harvest.

The first 1.000 to 2.000 tons will be imported in December. Especially to the UK. Only in March does the volume become significant, with May as the peak. The high season lasts until June, but potatoes are still exported to the EU in July.

Lack of water
Israel had a rainy, but very warm summer this year. This means that little rainwater is available for irrigation of crops. There has been a discussion about water use in potato cultivation for some time. The area next season may be partly limited by a lack of sufficient water for irrigation purposes. This is especially an issue in summer cultivation.Exports declined in 2017, but are still at a high level.