Kesher Talk

Israel's economy: Jewish food exports: Food exports to North America are expected to be 30% higher in 2004 than in 2003, Wissotzky Tea president and CEO Shalom Seidler told Globes. Seidler was appointed chairman of the Israel Export Institute food division at the end of December.

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, the 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.

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.

posted by William @ 1/27/2004 09:03:00 AM