The conflict along Israel’s northern border has disrupted the country’s fruit picking but exporters say supplies remained largely unaffected.
Summer fruit picking in Israel’s northern regions are reportedly at a standstill, with product losses amounting to millions of shekels.
Plantations of mango, peach, nectarine, plum, grape and apple have been worst affected. But the majority of that fruit was destined for the local market.
Israeli exporter Agrexco has moved to reassure its UK customers that supply programmes will continue as planned.
Amos Orr, general manager of Agrexco UK, said: “So far there has not been any effect on supplies, in fact it’s almost to the contrary as in some cases we have surpluses. The only products grown in the north are deciduous - plums and mangoes -and again there are no shortages. Our salad items are grown to the south which has not been affected and the first mangoes, from the Sea of Galilee area, will be shipped this week, even earlier than anticipated.
“Our ports are open and we have no logistical problems - vessels are sailing as scheduled and we have no change in our plans of operation or commitment to our customers.”
Dov Warmen of Mehadrin Tnuport Marketing (UK) Ltd agreed there is little cause for concern for the time being. But the citrus supply situation could be seriously affected if hostilities continue into September, he warned.
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