K A S H R U T . C O M_©

Israeli food tech companies feel personal impact of war

November 6, 2023 - from the Food Beverage Insider:

"Many Israeli food science and nutraceutical companies were unable to attend SupplySide West/Food ingredients North America 2023 due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas War. They were affected by employees being called up for military service, challenges in personnel and a focus on shortening international supply chains in preparation for future disruptions.

• Israeli food science and nutraceutical companies were absent from the 2023 event due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas War.
• Israeli companies are looking to shorten international supply chains in preparation for potential future disruptions.
• Volunteers and global partners are stepping in to support Israeli companies during these challenging times.

"There was a noticeable absence on the show floor at SupplySide West 2023. Israeli food science and nutraceutical companies, which often showcase some of the most forward-thinking innovations in their booths, were largely absent this year.

"This tiny country sits firmly on the vanguard of food industry sustainability, meat substitutes and environmentally friendly packaging, among a range of other crucial areas. Flights in and out of Israel are few and far between at the moment, however, due to the Israel-Hamas War that broke out in early October. And employees of Israeli companies are currently feeling the impact of the war both personally and professionally.

"A recurring theme among the companies contacted was that the largest current impact on their operations came from employees being called up to serve in the Israeli military.

T"he online magazine Israel 21c estimated on Oct. 30, 2023, that more than 23,000 Thai workers already went “home in fear,” while many Palestinian workers are no longer allowed to enter Israel. “Half the agricultural workforce vanished overnight, leaving crops to rot in the fields and livestock to fend for themselves,” reporter Jon Jeffay wrote.

"Without the usual labor force in place, thousands of Israeli volunteers have stepped in to help, doing everything from guarding farms to picking celery.

"The spirit of collaboration and support extends far beyond Israel’s borders, as companies have seen their colleagues step up to support them however needed.

"This groundswell makes Dana optimistic about the Israeli agriculture and food industry’s future, despite its current challenges."