As Galilee Export prepares for the arrival of its new chief executive this September, www.freshfruitportal.com speaks with the Israeli company's vice president of marketing Eitan Zvi about expectations for this year's mangoes, and how the fruit is making headway in the agricultural exporter's portfolio.

In the three years since it was established, Galilee Export has become one of Israel's leading global fruit exporters with turnover of approximately US$100 million in 2013.

With a volume of around 20,000 metric tons (MT) each, citrus and avocados account for the greatest part of sales but Galilee Exports aims to increase it mango sales to Europe, the Far East, Russia and North America.

A few weeks into the Israeli mango season, the forecast is looking good with production estimated to increase to around 2,500MT, according to Zvi.

"The Israeli mango season started in the middle of July and will continue until the end of September. It’s a normal season with a nice volume and we expect to increase our quantity this season," Zvi told www.freshfruitportal.com.

"In Israel we develop and cultivate a lot of mango varieties such as Shelly, Orly, Noa, Omer, Maya, Lilly and others and all of these varieties are fiberless.

"Each variety has its own unique taste, aroma, color and shape and some of the varieties come at a different stage which allows us to expand the season."

Exporting Israeli mangoes

Although mango volumes are much lower when compared against other key produce items like citrus and avocados, promotions will form a key part of Galilee Export's marketing strategy this season.

"We as an exporter need to have the ability to match the variety to our customers according to their preference and needs.

"On top of the other varieties, we also grow known varieties such as Kent, Keitt and Tommy Atkins.

"Galilee Export has become a market leader in Israel fruit export in many items like avocado, citrus, pomegranates, Sharon fruit and grapes and we are putting in a lot of effort to be a leader in mango export as well."

Zvi added that litchi production is also likely to grow by around 20% this year, increasing to approximately 150MT.

Dror Eigerman will take on the role of CEO of Galilee Export next month.

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