Exports up 15%

Food exports increased by 15% for the first half of 2011, according to the Israel Export Institute.

The Institute reported that food exports reached USD 463 million, up 15% with half of this increase due to rising costs that have driven up food prices worldwide.

The institute noted that exports to Asia grew by 79% over the same period to USD 92 million with sales of processed fruits and vegetables up by 150%.

Exports to Asia now almost equal those to North America (94 million), which increased by 8%. Each now representing approximately 20% of food exports from Israel with Europe receiving 41%.

source : israelidiamond co il