While the kosher factor is not the reason, there has been a 16% increase in Israeli wine exports to Asia in 2015, with an overall 6% increase in the Israeli wine industry last year.

According to the Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute, the 6% increase bring the industry to $39 million in 2015, but ironically, the money value of the exports actually dropped by 3%, and this is attributed to the weakening of the euro.

Wine exports to Asia are up 16% to $2.6 million, and to N. America the experts grew 8% to $25 million. The market in Asia is less concerned with kashrus and more concerned with a quality wine product. Exports to the European Union dropped 18% to $10 million, once again attributed to the weakening euro.

The institute reports there are a total of 300 wineries operating in Israel including 60 commercial ones. While exports are a significant component of the industry, the local marketplace turnover is NIS 1 billion annually, which represents 40 million bottles a year and this does not include 10 million bottles of grape juice, of which 20% is for export.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)