Citrus Marketing Board: exports up 23% in 2006

Climate problems in California last year allowed Israeli citrus exporters to extend their market share in Japan and for the first time penetrate the Chinese market
 
The Citrus Marketing Board reported last week a sharp increase in export of 23% in 2006.
In a statement issued by the Board it was noted that Citrus exports reached half a billion shekels last year.
 
The increase in exports was attributed to a cold snap that heavily destroyed citrus crops in California which is one of the largest citrus exporters in the world.
 
The climate problems in California last year allowed Israeli citrus exporters to extend their market share in Japan and for the first time penetrate the Chinese market.
 
Mr. Tal Amit, the director of the citrus sector at the Plants Board, said that the penetration into the Chinese fruit market projects huge potential for exports in the short term, to over 200,000 tons annually from the 141,000 tons exported in 2006.