Israeli Sweet Potato Grower Redirects Efforts Amidst Economic Realities
Carmy Exports, a prominent player in Israel’s sweet potato export market, has made a strategic decision to pivot its focus towards serving the local market exclusively. This shift comes as a response to the challenging economic landscape characterized by soaring input costs and diminished profitability in international exports.
Navigating Economic Challenges
Yitzhak Carmy, representing Carmy Exports, elucidates the rationale behind this transition, citing the prohibitive costs associated with fresh produce cultivation in Israel. “The escalating expenses incurred in water, land, fertilizers, and labor have rendered our sweet potato exports less competitive,” Carmy explains. “In comparison to Third World countries, our production costs are simply unsustainable.”
Furthermore, the strength of the Israeli Shekel vis-à-vis major trading currencies has eroded the profitability of exports, exacerbating the financial strain on growers. Consequently, Carmy Exports has redirected its focus towards bolstering its presence in the domestic market, where burgeoning demand presents lucrative opportunities for growth.
Embracing Collaborative Growth Models
In lieu of traditional export ventures, Carmy Exports has embarked on a novel approach of establishing partnerships for agricultural expansion in other countries. A notable endeavor includes a significant project in Africa, where the company is spearheading the cultivation of various vegetables tailored to meet local demands.
“In Congo-Brazzaville, we are pioneering a large-scale farming initiative spanning 700 hectares, encompassing a diverse range of crops including potatoes, carrots, onions, and more,” Carmy reveals. By leveraging their expertise and resources, Carmy Exports aims to foster agricultural development in regions where it is sorely needed.
Innovating for Future Growth
Looking towards the future, Carmy Exports is diversifying its agricultural portfolio with an ambitious venture in the Israeli desert. Collaborating with industry partners, the company is set to cultivate blue agave, a cactus-like plant native to Mexico, for the production of tequila destined for the US market.
“The cultivation of blue agave represents a pioneering endeavor for us, utilizing agricultural techniques imported from Mexico,” Carmy highlights. “This long-term project entails meticulous planning and investment, with the eventual establishment of a distillery to cater to the burgeoning demand for tequila in the US.”
As Carmy Exports embraces innovation and collaboration, the company remains steadfast in its commitment to adapt to evolving market dynamics and secure sustainable growth avenues in the ever-changing landscape of the agricultural industry.
