Exports of food in 2005 up 10%

Manufacturers Association's Food Industries Association chairman Ron Kobrovsky said last week that the demand for unique Israeli food products in foreign markets increased last year
 
Israel's exports of milk products and ice cream increased by approximately 84 percent, amounting to USD 25.2 million. Chocolate exports rose by 34.5 percent, totaling USD 11.7 million. the main reasons for the increase in exports were a rise in international demand for unique food products abroad and focused activities to boost the industry's exports.
 
Kobrovsky noted that Israel’s food exports rose in 2005 by 10% to $656.4 million. Food imports rose 6% to $1.04 billion.
 
An analysis of food exports in 2005 by geographical destination showed 26% growth in exports to the US, $84 million and 12% growth to the EU, $297.6 million.
 
Food exports to Belgium rose by 41% to $29.4 million, exports to the Netherlands rose 30% to $50 million, exports to France rose 13% to $45.6 million, and exports to the UK rose 8 .5% to $52 million.
 
Exports of non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverage was up 3.7% to $19.5 million, and processed meat and poultry exports rose 2.5% to $52.4 million.
 
Kobrovsky also noted that an analysis of 2005 food exports shows that dairy products and ice cream exports had the fastest growth in 2005, rising 84% to $25.2 million.
 
Exports of chocolate products rose 34.5% to $11.7 million, processed fruit and vegetables exports rose 19 % to $189.7 million, and baked goods (pastries, biscuits, wafers, baked savory products) rose 13% amounting to $49.3 million.
 
Food exports to China reveals a significant growth last year of 94% to $16 million, and exports to Turkey rose 44% to $2.3 million.