Matzah Exports Rose High in 2008

Exports of the staple item for the Passover holiday, the unleavened crisp bread called matzah, rose a dramatic 31 percent in 2008.

Malkah Fleisher

Mar 23, 2009, 2:53 PM (GMT+2)

Exports of the staple item for the Passover holiday, the unleavened crisp bread called matzah, rose a dramatic 31 percent in 2008.

Consumers from around the world ordered $12 million worth of the simple, crunchy flatbread last year, according to the Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute.

Almost 60 percent of Israel's exported matzahs graced tables in the United States, with 10 percent going to Italy, 5 percent to the UK, 5 percent to France, 5 percent to Belgium, 3 percent to Canada and 3 percent to Australia.

According to the Export Institute, matzah exports are predicted to fall by 5 – 10 percent in 2009, thanks to a worsening economy in the United States.

While Israeli matzah continues to be a money-maker, the famous American matzah maker, Aron Streit Inc, is putting New York City's only matzah factory - Streit's Matzos Factory- up for sale. Originally offered for market in 2007, the property was pulled two months ago when no buyers were found. A new real estate agency will now represent the company.