2014 was another good year for Israel's wine industry, according to figures published today by the Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute. Exports of wine and spirits rose 10% last year to $40 million.
The figures were announced today at the start of the two-day Tel Aviv Sommelier Wine festival, which is being attended by dozens of Israeli winemakers and delegations of vintners from around the world.
The Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute attributes the rise in wine exports to growing demand in North America, Europe and Asia. In 2014, 58% of wine exports amounting to $23 million ($20 million to the US) went to North America, $13 million (up 12%) to Europe and $2.2 million (up 27%) to Asia. In Europe, France is the biggest market for Israeli wine.
Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute Wine Department head Ya'ara Shimoni said that most Israeli wine exports are bought by the Diaspora Jewish kosher market. She said, "In recent years Israeli won has won international recognition and the rise in wine exports to Asia where the kosher market is insignificant demonstrates the strength of Israel's wine brand around the world."
Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute figures show that wine and spirits exports have grown consistently over the past five years, having more than doubled from $19 million in 2009.
Israel has 250 wineries of which 50 operate commercially. Overall annual sales of Israeli-made wine reached $220 million in 2014.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on January 26, 2015
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