Israel is on the verge of experiencing a significant rise in potato prices, potentially leading to a shortage on store shelves in the coming weeks, according to a report by The Marker citing sources within agricultural organizations.
Israel produces approximately 550,000 tons of potatoes annually. Of this, 250,000 tons are consumed domestically, a similar amount is exported, and 50,000 tons are used by the industry. However, this year has seen unusual market dynamics due to external factors.
Due to a drought in Europe, there has been an increased demand for Israeli potatoes, leading to higher-than-usual export volumes. Additionally, the Gaza Strip, which in previous years has supplied around 50,000 tons of potatoes to both its population and the Palestinians, has been unable to do so this year due to ongoing war. As a result, when humanitarian organizations began purchasing potatoes for Gaza, a significant portion of the Israeli harvest was diverted there.
Consequently, the wholesale price of white potatoes for the Israeli market has surged over the past month, increasing from €0.78 per kilogram to €1.22 per kilogram, compared to the usual annual price of €0.61 per kilogram.
Source: newsru.co.il