The Food Processing sector is one of the most rapidly developing sectors in the Palestinian economy. The vitality of the sector's basic products as well as the recent developments in quality to meet international standards and requirements are both enhancing the sector in the local market and increasing the export capacities of local producers. Local market share increased from 25% in 1996 to 45% in 2000 - an increase of 20% in market share for local producers. This increase is an indicator of the development and growth of the industry. Market studies reveal that the average family spends 42% - 45% of its income on food indicating the importance of this sector and the need for a competitive local industry to provide high quality food products. The total investment in the industry is estimated at around $ 300 million, This Sector Employees work 7500

PALESTINIAN FOOD INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION (PFIA)

The Palestinian Food Industries Association was established in 1995 to represent the Palestinian food industries in the West Bank and Gaza. PFIA currently represents more than 90 company members and is in the process of expanding its membership to include other participants in the Palestinian food production and marketing sector. PFIA aims to assist in promoting locally made products and in improving local production, management and marketing practices.

Major Sectors of the Palestinian food Industry

• Confectioneries
• Dairies
• Meat processing
• Soft drinks
• Snacks
• Grains 
• Canned food 
• Oils and ghee
• Traditional industries (Halva, etc.)
• Animal feeds industry
• Others

PFIA offers a number of services including:

• Coordination between food producers and public sector institutions;

• Representing the sector in local and international fora;

• Providing training in production, management and marketing with special emphasis on ISO 9000, Quality Control and HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Path) to assist local companies in reaching international standards and requirements;

• Sponsoring a "Buy Palestinian" campaign to promote Palestinian products in the local market;

• Offering technical assistance to members either directly or in cooperation with other international and local organizations;

• and, assisting companies in opening export markets.
  

Exports:
The sector has developed greatly since 1990. It expanded to export markets mainly Jordan, Russia, Eastern Europe and the USA. Food Companies in Gaza supplied the UN Agencies mainly UNRWA. Following is a list of the leading companies in exports:

Palestinian Food Industries Association
Eng. Mazin Sinokrot, Chairman 
P.O.Box 1410 Ramallah, Palestine 
Tel.: 972-2-2402774
Fax: 972-2-2407323 
E-mail: pfia@palnet.com