The exported foodstuffs totaled almost $60 million. The total 2001 food exports were only approximately $55 million.
The increase may be in large part due to the “Fine Foods From Israel” campaign, launched in October 2002, to encourage the purchase of Israeli products in North America. The campaign involved the display and marketing of Israeli foods in supermarkets throughout N. America, aggressive internet marketing of Israeli food products and more. The “Fine Foods” project had the ‘modest’ goal of increasing Israel’s annual food exports by 50% (to $110 million) within two years. Instead, such exports are expected to reach $150 million by year’s end, according to Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor forecasts.
“Fine Foods From Israel” was built around the goodwill towards Israel among Jewish communities and supporters of Israel who oppose the boycotts of Israeli goods in Europe. As part of the campaign, the project website (http://www.finefoodsisrael.com/) lists Israeli food exporters and supermarkets and groceries that carry Israeli products in the US, Canada and Mexico. The project was sponsored by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Israel Economic Mission to North America, the Israel Export & International Cooperation Institute, the Manufacturers Association of Israel, the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, International Fellowship of Christians & Jews and leading Israeli food companies.
The increase may be in large part due to the “Fine Foods From Israel” campaign, launched in October 2002, to encourage the purchase of Israeli products in North America. The campaign involved the display and marketing of Israeli foods in supermarkets throughout N. America, aggressive internet marketing of Israeli food products and more. The “Fine Foods” project had the ‘modest’ goal of increasing Israel’s annual food exports by 50% (to $110 million) within two years. Instead, such exports are expected to reach $150 million by year’s end, according to Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor forecasts.
“Fine Foods From Israel” was built around the goodwill towards Israel among Jewish communities and supporters of Israel who oppose the boycotts of Israeli goods in Europe. As part of the campaign, the project website (http://www.finefoodsisrael.com/) lists Israeli food exporters and supermarkets and groceries that carry Israeli products in the US, Canada and Mexico. The project was sponsored by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Israel Economic Mission to North America, the Israel Export & International Cooperation Institute, the Manufacturers Association of Israel, the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, International Fellowship of Christians & Jews and leading Israeli food companies.