Israel Flower Growers Association: Proceeds will total NIS 56 million.
Israeli flower growers will export 56 million flowers by air to Europe for Valentine's Day next Monday.
The Israel Flower Growers Association estimates proceeds at NIS 56 million, 34% more than last year, thanks to a 7% increase in the number of flowers exported and the rise in the shekel-euro exchange rate.
Israel Flower Growers Association secretary general Haim Hadad said El Al Israel Airlines (TASE: ELAL) and Cargo Air Lines (NYSE:CAL) would handle most of the shipments to Europe; however the large volume of flowers meant that some shipping would be channeled to other companies.
Flower growers in the Gaza Strip were due to export 3 million carnations, but the closure of the Karni checkpoint has prevented it. With the reopening of the checkpoint, growers and exporters are making a supreme effort to get part of the crop to market for the last day of holiday sales.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on February 9, 2005