Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormFresh
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Fresh grapefruit in Israel is produced in commercial citrus regions and marketed for both domestic sale and export programs, including named varieties such as Rio Red, Sunrise, Sweetie, and White Marsh. Export marketing materials describe production in northern Israeli valleys with variety-specific availability windows spanning roughly September to June, supported by cold-chain logistics. UN Comtrade data (via WITS) indicates Israel exported grapefruit (HS 080540) in 2023 with major destinations including France, Japan, Slovenia, China, and Korea. Market access for fresh grapefruit exports is highly sensitive to phytosanitary compliance, as importing markets (e.g., the EU) require phytosanitary certification and conduct documentary/identity/plant health checks at entry.
Market RoleProducer and exporter
SeasonalityExport availability is marketed as variety-dependent, with Israeli grapefruit programs commonly spanning autumn through late spring/early summer (approximately September–June, depending on variety and program).
Specification
Secondary Variety- Rio Red
- Sunrise
- Sweetie
- White Marsh
Physical Attributes- Size grading referenced via caliber/count systems in exporter specifications (e.g., count options such as 24–60).
Packaging- Carton weights commonly marketed around 14.5–16 kg for Rio Red/Sunrise/White Marsh; Sweetie cartons marketed around 12–13 kg.
- Carton footprint sizes marketed around 40×60 cm with multiple height options; cartons-per-pallet programs (e.g., 60/65/70) are referenced by exporters.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Orchard harvest → packing house sorting/grading → packing into cartons → pre-cooling/cold storage → refrigerated sea freight (and some air shipments) → importer distribution
Temperature- Exporter guidance references storage temperatures of 8–10°C for Israeli grapefruit varieties marketed for export.
Freight IntensityHigh
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Phytosanitary HighFresh grapefruit exports can be delayed, rejected, or destroyed if phytosanitary documentation is missing/incorrect or if border inspections detect regulated harmful organisms; the EU applies documentary, identity, and plant health checks to plant products from non-EU countries and relies on phytosanitary certificates issued by the exporting country’s plant protection authority.Align consignment details to the phytosanitary certificate (including any required additional declarations), run pre-shipment pest surveillance/inspection, and use the national NPPO process (including ePhyto where applicable) to reduce document/format errors.
Logistics MediumCold-chain breaks during sea or air transport can rapidly degrade quality and increase decay/claims; exporter marketing emphasizes an uninterrupted cooling chain and specific storage temperatures for grapefruit programs.Use validated pre-cooling and reefer set-points (e.g., 8–10°C where specified by the program), monitor temperature with data loggers, and agree on contingency handling at transshipment/arrival.
Origin Labelling MediumIn EU markets, products originating from Israeli settlements in territories occupied since 1967 may require specific origin labelling; incorrect origin indication can create compliance actions and buyer rejection risk.Maintain farm/plot-level traceability to verify place of production and ensure labels and commercial documents reflect the required origin description for the destination market.
Sustainability- Water-use efficiency: fertigation/water-saving irrigation technology is referenced by Israeli citrus exporters/packers in grapefruit-oriented orchard renewal narratives.
Labor & Social- Market-access and reputational sensitivity in some destinations related to origin labelling and the political context of Israeli settlements (where applicable to the product’s true place of production).
FAQ
When is Israeli fresh grapefruit typically available for export programs?Exporter marketing materials describe variety-dependent availability spanning roughly September to June: Rio Red (September–October), Sunrise (October–June), Sweetie (October–March), and White Marsh (October–May). Actual shipping windows can vary by program and market.
What storage temperature is commonly referenced for Israeli grapefruit in export handling?An Israeli exporter/marketing source lists 8–10°C as the storage temperature for grapefruit varieties marketed for export (Rio Red, Sunrise, Sweetie, and White Marsh).
What is the key phytosanitary document to ship fresh grapefruit into the EU?A phytosanitary certificate is a core requirement for many plant products entering the EU, and EU authorities perform documentary and plant health checks on consignments from non-EU countries. Israel’s Ministry of Agriculture (Plant Protection and Inspection Services) provides an ePhyto (electronic phytosanitary certificate) system for issuing/managing phytosanitary certificates.