This is the second year that Shallit Carrot has cultivated these colorful carrots. The demand came from the Israeli supermarkets. “They asked us to bring in a new product. So, that is what we did. We sell between six and seven tons per week to the local market. In small packaging,” says Gal Nadan.
“Chefs at restaurants also wanted these rainbow carrots. That accounts for 500 to 600 kg per week. We sell the larger sizes in the United States. That is from October to July. We send roughly 12 to 14 tons per week. It is our first time at the trade show because we have enough supply this year. European clients can start off with small supplies,” explains Gal.
Different flavors
Not only do these carrots look different; they taste different too. “Everyone is familiar with orange carrots. The white ones are of the same quality. The yellow carrots have slightly less sugar content, but taste better.”
“The purple variety has more health benefits. They, however, do not taste quite as good - a little bitter. These are actually grown for the industry to add a little color to a meal. It is also used to produce natural remedies,” continues Nadan.
What does Gal expect from the upcoming year’s regular carrot market, volume-wise? “Permanent sales in Israel usually amount to about 1,600 tons per week. Exports will depend on the quality of carrots in Europe. And we do not know what that is yet.”
“Our biggest markets are the US and Russia,” says Gal. Our carrots go to the United States in 22,5kg packs and to Russia is 18kg bags. Russia is a huge country. If prices are low, they would be able to buy all of Israel's carrots. That does, of course, not happen.”
Rain could affect some crops
“There has been a lot of rain in the north of Israel.” That will have an effect on the market. “That could cause issues with quality. But not in the new fields, only the older ones. It does carrots no good to lie in water for too long.”
It is not yet carrot harvesting season in Israel. Shallit Carrots harvests for nine months of the year, from October to July. The company has claimed around 24% of the local market in Israel. “That is a large part. We have healthy, normal competition.”
Shallit Carrots not only sells carrots in Europe. The company has been selling parsley for a while now. “This is the third year. We have had a contract in Eastern Europe for 120 tons,” concludes Gal.
For more information:
Gal Nadan
Shallit Carrots
Tel: +972 463 791 91
Mob: +972 52 374 93 48
www.shallit.co.il