After 10 years, Citrus exports up

According to figures released last week by the Citrus Produce Council Citrus exports was up by 30% during the 2004-2005 season. In the press release the Council noted that the 30% growth was achieved despite a continuos decline in the sector during the last decade.
 
In 2004-2005's season, the sector produced 645,000 tons, of which 180,000 tons were exported, 160,000 tons consumed locally and 305,000 tons used in industry.
 
Israel exported over $150 million in citrus fruit last season, which was up 30 percent in quantity and up 100 percent in value compared to previous season.
 
According to the Council most of the exports,(65%), were to Western Europe, followed by Russia and Eastern Europe (20%) and Japan and the Far East (10%).
 
The Council also noted that of the 25 types of citrus fruits grown, the red grapefruit was the most popular - half of the total citrus exports - followed by the Shamouti orange, the clementine orange, the pomelit and the manadarin orange.