Israel's 2024 mango harvest volumes are set to be higher this season. This is despite the early desert summer heat that has caused some damage. "The mango quantities this year are expected to be higher compared to last year," says Nir Harel, Sales Manager at Galilee Export in Israel.
Israel's mango harvest to Europe was 11,000 tons last season. They expect a substantial increase of 50% to Europe this season. "We expect about 16,500 in total this year," notes Harel.
Last year, the extremely high temperatures in Israel lead to extra-large mango fruit. Last July was the hottest in the country's history, with several days of over 40 degrees Celsius, especially in the mango production areas. Temperatures in Israel have already hit over 40 degrees Celsius in the first few weeks of summer during June. Harel says this heat has caused a reduction in quantities, but they are not going to see a repeat of the extra-large sized fruit. "Even after the last heat waves, which caused damage and reduction in quantities, the expected numbers are still higher than last year, which were significantly lower than the average. Quantities will be higher, especially with the varieties Shelly and Keitt. On the other hand, quantities of the variety Omer will be significantly lower than last year."
A concern for Israel is that stable mango supply from other source countries will be available on their main European market this summer too. "As quantities from other origins like Spain, Brazil, Peru, Senegal, Ivory Coast and Dominican Republic are expected to be stable, the export season from Israel will be challenging," states Harel.
Another challenge is the ongoing war in Israel and the effects on the fresh produce industry. The stone fruit, carrot and other industries in Israel struggled with a shortage of labour. Some of the farms closer to the borders have had rockets land in their orchards, blasting fruit of trees. Harel is relieved that mango producers are able to continue with getting ready for the harvest. "For now, it looks like there's almost no effect from the war on the mango growing and production. Hopefully, the situation will not get any worse and the season will pass with no interference."
For more information:
Nir Harel
Galilee Export
Tel: +972-36539015
Email: [email protected]
www.galilee-export.com