By Anav Silverman
A study carried out by the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture found that the cost of fruits and vegetables in Israel are lower – sometimes even significantly lower — when compared to prices of fruits and vegetables in the United States and Western European countries including France, Germany and Britain.
Eleven fruits and vegetables were surveyed in America and Israel and all except for the bananas (34% less), were found to be cheaper in Israel. In the vegetable department, the study found that the average price of a kilogram of tomatoes in the US was 340% higher than in Israel and the average price of peppers was 116% higher in the US.
Among fruits, clementines and peaches are significantly cheaper in Israel, as prices in the US for those particular fruits are twice the cost (at 108% and 97% more respectively).
The study in price comparison between the United States and Israel was done between April and June of 2013. An additional price study between Israel and Western European countries was completed more recently according to the Ministry of Agriculture. All prices and quantities had been converted into shekels and kilograms according to the Bank of Israel exchange rates at the time the studies were done.
In regards to Western Europe, the price comparison study covered 12 different fruits and vegetables and found that except for onions (cheaper in Germany), fruits and vegetables were cheaper in Israel. The study showed that a kilo of cucumbers costs 270% more in France than in Israel and 260% more in Germany. Avocados in the United Kingdom also cost significantly more, with a kilo of avocados costing 316% more in Britain than in Israel.
According to a Globes business report, the Ministry of Agriculture said that it was not surprised by findings on Wednesday. The Ministry highlighted that the primary reason for the lower prices is that most produce in Israel is grown domestically and that there is little imported produce. Further, fruits and vegetables in Israel are grown throughout the year, which means that there is generally a stable and steady supply.
Tazpit News Agency
pretty amazing considering Israel is a tiny desert and US is a massive country with tons of extra land
Sorry to be a party-pooper here, but I’m afraid it becomes somewhat less amazing when one considers the overall cost of living in Israel as compared to that in the US or Western Europe.
Generally speaking, prices on most things are higher in Israel (2-5 times as much), whereas salaries are much lower (1/2 or even less).
Therefore, even if some of the fresh produce prices are somewhat lower, that doesn’t mean that an average Israeli can afford it just as easily as an average European or American.
Besides, the variety of produce seen in the stores and markets of Western Europe and USA is much greater than in Israel – and this is a firsthand account. I couldn’t believe how much more abundant and cheaper food (and pretty much everything else) is in the West.
As for the most important and expensive items – housing and cars, for example – those are twice as much in Israel than in Europe or USA. The same is true of liquid consumables, such as gasoline, beer, wine, etc.
Most of high prices are due to extraordinarily high taxes and monopolization of industries. Basically, the gov’t is largely to blame.
Sorry to burst your bubble, but truth is important if one is to see the whole picture.
– One aggravated Jerusalemite
i read that statistically, Israelis top the table for longest living population – maybe its the abundance and low cost of fresh produce? or the hummus? stands to reason