Israeli grapefruit yields continue to decline, following the trend of previous seasons

Although grapefruit and citrus production in general is declining in Israel, it remains one of the top countries in terms of export earnings, says Betsalel Ohana, export director of Planet Israel. “According to the World Bank, Israel is the fourth country in the world in terms of annual grapefruit export earnings, after China, the Netherlands and South Africa, and ahead of Spain and Turkey,” he explains. “The main grapefruit varieties in Israel are the white White Marsh, the reds Sunrise or also called Star Ruby, Rio Red and Redson, as well as the green grapefruit Sweetie Green. The season started in September with Sweetie and will end towards the end of May with the red grapefruit varieties.” Ohana stresses that the decline in production is nothing new, but is actually a trend that has been observed in recent seasons. "Grapefruit production in Israel accounts for about 30% of the total citrus production, and consists mainly of red grapefruit. Total grapefruit production in the ...