2014 was another good year for Israel’s wine industry, according to figures published by the Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute (IEICI). Exports of wine and spirits rose 10% last year.

The figures were announced at a two-day Tel Aviv Sommelier Wine festival in January which was being attended by dozens of Israeli winemakers and delegations of vintners from around the world.

IEICI attributes the rise in wine exports to growing demand in North America, Europe and Asia. In 2014, 58% of wine exports amounting to US$23 million (US$20 million to the US) went to North America, US$13 million (up 12%) to Europe and US$2.2 million (up 27%) to Asia. In  Europe, France is the biggest market for Israeli wine.

IEICI Wine Department head Ya’ara Shimoni said that most Israeli wine exports are bought by the Diaspora Jewish kosher market. “In recent years Israeli won has won international recognition and the rise in wine exports to Asia where the kosher market is insignificant demonstrates the strength of Israel’s wine brand around the world,” Shimoni commented.