Israel's wine exports up 5.5% in 2011

The Israel Export & International Cooperation Institute (IEI) reported last week that
Israel's wine industry recorded a successful year in 2011 as wine exports grew by 5.5%.
 
According to the report the Israeli wine industry recorded overseas sales of US$26.7 million in 2011.
 
The report noted that there are currently 35 commercial wineries in Israel and over 250 boutique wineries. Israel's domestic wine market in 2011 had annual revenues of US$200 million. The IEI report was released ahead of ISRAWINEXPO 2012, an international exhibition for the wine industry, wine-makers, importers, investors, buyers, restaurateurs and sommeliers.
 
The industry wine event was held during February 21-23 (February 21 only for members of the trade, 22-23 for the general public), at Tel Aviv’s convention center. The ISRAWINEXPO exhibition is organized by the Israel Trade Fairs & Convention Center in cooperation with the Israeli Wine Magazine and The Grape-Man Wine Center and is sponsored by the Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute.
 
According to the IEI report, the wine industry's top-five export destinations are: The United States - US$12.2 million, +0.5% compared to 2010, France US$2.7 million, down 11% compared to 2010, the UK US$1.4 million, +9.6%, Canada US$1 million, +4.6% and Poland US$900,000, +63%.
 
Exports to the European Union was up 3% in 2011 and amounted to US$8 million. The report noted that Israeli wines are now starting to gain a following in Asia as well – the market experienced a 66% growth in 2011, with exports amounting to US$1.1 million.