Agriculture and fish farming officials have released some interesting statistics pertaining to the demand for fish during Tishrei in Eretz Yisrael. The average Israeli consumes 900 grams (1.98 lbs) of fish monthly (11 kilograms annually [24¼ lbs]). During Tishrei that number increases to 1.8kg (3.96 lbs).

Fish demands will increase as Rosh Hashanah nears. Leading the sales is the carp, followed by Amnon (Tilapia), and Buri (Mullet). 1,000 tons of carp will be required in Tishrei as compared to 350 tons in a regular month; 850 tons of tilapia as opposed to 500 during other months; and 200 tons of buri as compared to 170 during other months.

Interestingly, fish consumption per person in Israel is lower than other Mediterranean countries where the average ranges from 20-40kg per person. In Japan, that number is an impressive 60kg per person annually while American consumer 6-7kg per person annually.

In 2012, Israelis consumed 75,000 tons of fish which included 25,000 kilograms of fresh locally bred fish and the remainder frozen imports.

Pomegranates

Agriculture Ministry officials report that an additional 2,000 dunams (500 acres) of pomegranate trees are bearing fruit, referring to trees planted in 2012. In 2012 there was a total of 23,000 dunams of pomegranate orchards.

8,000 tons of pomegranates are needed in Israel during Tishrei, representing the bulk of the 14,000 tons consumed annually. The average Israeli consumes 3 pomegranates annually.

Honey

Over recent years there has been an increase in monitoring and compliance to standards in an effort to increase the quality of honey produced. Generally speaking, honey produced in Israel is of a high quality. (That said, there is a fair share of bogus honey available in the marketplace which contains molasses).

Israelis will consume 50% of the honey used annually during Tishrei, most in the days of Rosh Hashanah. Israelis will use 2,000 tons of honey in Tishrei, representing 100 million NIS in the marketplace. The average Israeli will consume 300 grams of honey during Tishrei. Israelis will consume 3,600 tons of honey annually, about 0.5kg per person.

Only about 25% of consumers will shop for specific type of honey while most shoppers simply seek out ‘honey’.

Apples

According to ministry officials, there are 25,000 dunams (6,250 acres) of apple orchards in Israel. The 2012 crop yielded 140,000 tons of apples. It was a good year as the annual average yield is 115,000 tons. This year, 2013, the yield is low, similar to 2008, reaching 100,000 tons. The average Israeli will consume and impressive 125 apples annually.

Global apple production is estimated between 50-60 million tons annually with China producing 30 million tons annually; Europe 9 million tons annually; and the United States 5 million tons annually.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)