Consumer Group Finds Holiday Shopping Basket Prices Down 1% Annually

A recent survey by the Consumer Council in Israel reveals that the average cost of a holiday shopping basket has decreased by approximately 1% compared to last year. However, prices have risen by 7% when compared to the period before the October 7th war.

The basket, comprising 456 common products, saw price increases in several categories, including a 7% rise in wine prices and a 4% increase for honey. Avocado prices surged by a notable 31% year-over-year, while fresh and frozen meat prices increased by 4% and fresh vegetables by 3%.

Conversely, some items became cheaper, with breakfast cereals and cornflakes dropping by 13%, canned tomatoes by 8%, and laundry softeners by 9%. These reductions contributed to the overall slight decrease in the basket's average price.

The Consumer Council identified Rami Levy as the cheapest supermarket chain, with a total basket cost of 5,986 shekels. Super Yuda was found to be the most expensive, with the same basket costing 8,904 shekels, a difference of 49%. Among urban chains, Neto Saving in the Neighborhood was the cheapest, while Super Yuda was again the most expensive.

Significant price disparities were also observed for individual products. For example, a kilogram of fresh chicken breast varied from 24.90 shekels at Salah Dabah to 62.70 shekels at Super Yuda, a difference of 152%. A kilogram of frozen salmon fillet ranged from 48 shekels at Neto Saving and Hameshev to 109 shekels at Mini Super Alonit, a 127% difference.