Food exports to North America are expected to be 30% higher in 2004 than in 2003, said Wissotzky Tea (Israel) president and CEO Shalom Seidler. Seidler was appointed chairman of the Israel Export Institute food division this week.
Seidler's prediction is based on the success of the Fine Foods from Israel program to encourage purchases of Israeli food products by Jewish communities in the US and Canada organized by the Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute. Manufacturers Association, and Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor.
Seidler said he planed to expand Fine Foods from Israel beyond kosher keeping Jews to new markets, expand to Europe, and include small and medium-sized food exporters in the program.
Delegations of food exporters are scheduled to visit Poland and Russia for preliminary meetings with importers and buyers during 2004. Other plans include food exports via the Internet and e-commerce, inviting journalists and buyers to Israel, and holding tastings for Israeli wine in selected locations worldwide.
Export Institute director Yechiel Assia said Fine Foods from Israel boosted food exports to the US by 24% to $56.5 million in January-September 2003, compared with the $45.4 million exported in the corresponding period in 2002.
Most of the increased exports were of fresh produce, and processed meat and poultry. Wine exports rose 60% to $8 million in January-September 2003 from $5 million in the corresponding period in 2002.
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on January 1, 2004