Onions and shallots market in Israel

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh onions and shallots in Israel began the period at 114.8 thousand tons in 2018, supported by growing consumer awareness of healthy and sustainable consumption, which boosted demand for fresh vegetables, and by local government initiatives to fund farmers' markets for direct sales. By 2021, the market volume had declined to 101.0 thousand tons, a drop partly driven by stricter packaging legislation that imposed recycling responsibilities on importers, increasing costs and reducing import volumes.

Market volume recovered to 104.5 thousand tons in 2022 and rose further to 106.8 thousand tons in 2023. This growth coincided with a moderate increase in food sales across Israel, despite significant price rises that limited expansion. The introduction of country-of-origin labeling for fresh agricultural produce in 2022 also reshaped market transparency, while ongoing industry concentration continued to affect the balance between farmers, wholesalers, and retail chains.

Throughout the period, consumer preference for healthy and fresh products remained a steady driver, alongside regulatory measures such as the harmful food labeling reform in 2020 that encouraged shifts toward healthier categories. These factors collectively shaped the market's fluctuations without reversing the underlying demand for fresh onions and shallots.

Production onions and shallots in Israel

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of onions and shallots, 2017-2020

World map of production of onions and shallots, 2017-2020

Israel's production of onions and shallots increased in 2020 after two consecutive years of decline. In 2020, the country produced 86 317 tonnes, marking a significant 13.5% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, overall production decreased by 7.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.6%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 76 036 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual decline of 12.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Israel in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports onions and shallots from Israel

Market data indicates that Israel did not export any onions or shallots between 2017 and 2020.

Imports onions and shallots to Israel

Imports in kind, t

The import market for onions and shallots in Israel showed considerable volatility during the observed period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 3.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports amounted to 17 881 tonnes, representing a 36.2% decrease compared to the previous year. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 28 013 tonnes, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 290.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Israel in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets dominated Israel's onion and shallot imports, accounting for 92.8% of total import volume. These markets were the Netherlands, Turkey, and China.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Israel in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of onion and shallot imports to Israel showed irregular fluctuations, indicating a volatile market environment. The lowest value was recorded in 2017, while the peak occurred in 2018, with a 6.5-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports totaled {value_last_year} thousand US dollars, representing a steep 34.2% decline compared to the previous year. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 17 389 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 546.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Israel in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands, Turkey, and China were the main sources of onion and shallot imports to Israel in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 58.3% of import value, Turkey for 19.9%, and China for 14.6%. Together, these three markets represented 92.8% of total import value during this period.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Israel in value, 2017-2020