Strategy behind expansion and commitment to top-quality produce: BIG Interview with Eitan Zvi, Galilee Export 

As global demand for high-quality produce continues to rise, the fresh produce industry is met with both opportunities and challenges. Whether it’s avocados, Medjoul dates, citrus fruits, or pomegranates, exporters must navigate evolving regulations, climate change, and shifting consumer expectations. Sustainability, supply chain resilience, and ensuring year-round availability have become essential for success. How can companies adapt to these challenges while maintaining premium quality and driving expansion?

One company making strategic moves to stay ahead is Galilee Export. In this interview, Fructidor speaks with Eitan Zvi, VP of Marketing and Sales, about how the company is overcoming industry-wide obstacles, entering new markets, while ensuring top-tier quality. 

Fructidor: You supply to German wholesalers who then distribute to retailers. What are the company’s plans for development? Any new markets on the horizon? 

Eitan Zvi: Speaking of avocados, we’re planning to increase our volume in the coming year. We have new plantations, and we’re also planning to expand our supply from Peru. We’re actually going to enter the Peruvian market and are in the process of acquiring orchards there. 

Fructidor: That sounds like a significant step. How do you plan to manage this increased volume? 

Eitan Zvi: We have the logistical infrastructure in place. We have established companies in France, Germany, and the Netherlands that help us distribute our produce efficiently. Our goal is to ensure a steady, year-round supply. 

Fructidor: Which countries are your biggest markets at the moment? 

Eitan Zvi: In Europe, our main markets for the Hass avocado variety are the UK, Germany, and France. For green-skinned avocados, we focus more on Poland and Eastern Europe. 

Fructidor: Once you have the new orchards and increased production, do you plan to enter new markets? 

Eitan Zvi: With our operations in Peru, we might be able to sell to Canada and the USA. However, when it comes to Israeli-grown fruit, there are currently no trade agreements between Israel and China or India. The USA has specific regulations that limit where we can export avocados. However, for dates, pomegranates, and citrus fruits, we do have broader market access. 

Fructidor: So, would you say you are strategically choosing closer markets to maintain quality? 

Eitan Zvi: Absolutely. For dates and pomegranates, transport time doesn’t impact quality as much. But for avocados, proximity is crucial. The shorter the supply chain, the better we can ensure freshness and avoid quality issues. 

Fructidor: Speaking of quality, do you also handle avocado ripening? 

Eitan Zvi: Yes, we do. In France, we own a warehouse with ripening facilities that handle large volumes. In Holland, we use external services for ripening. 

Fructidor: What specific quality control measures does Galilee Export implement? 

Eitan Zvi: We have significantly expanded our quality control team in Israel. Last year, we added three new specialists: a logistics coordinator overseeing packhouses, a VP of operations, and a technical manager. This ensures our product meets the highest standards before it reaches the market. 

Fructidor: Are there plans to expand infrastructure, such as warehouses or sorting facilities? 

Eitan Zvi: We are investing in more equipment, particularly in France, where we own a facility. We will be adding a new sorting and packaging machine for avocados. However, we won’t be investing in sorting machines in other countries unless we own the facilities. 

Fructidor: In addition to supermarkets, do you also supply wholesalers in different countries? 

Eitan Zvi: We do. While direct supermarket supply is our primary channel, we also work with wholesalers, particularly in Poland, the UK, and Italy. In Germany and the Netherlands, wholesale is relatively small compared to direct retail supply. 

Fructidor: Is there anything else important for customers to know about Galilee Export in 2025? 

Eitan Zvi: Besides avocados, we’re significantly increasing our Medjoul date volumes. We’re becoming one of Israel’s key players in this sector. Our core product line remains stable, except for avocados, where our strategy includes expansion in Peru. 

Fructidor: Do you also plan to build warehouses in Peru as part of your expansion? 

Eitan Zvi: We may acquire orchards that come with farmhouses and infrastructure. At least one of the orchards we’re looking at is already well-established. 

Fructidor: What advice would you give to emerging players in the fresh produce supply industry? 

Eitan Zvi: Seek out strong, reliable partners who can provide the right market access and volume for your products. The industry is always evolving, so adaptability and strategic relationships will set you apart. Stay focused on continuous improvement. Always strive to enhance quality, service, and efficiency — these are the foundations of long-term success.  

Want to partner with a trusted professional in fresh produce exports? Get in touch today to explore collaboration opportunities and secure a steady supply of high-quality produce!