Meat Prices Surge in Israel Amidst Rising Kosher Supervision Costs Abroad
A recent investigation by "Mishpacha" magazine has revealed a significant increase in payments to personnel involved in overseas meat slaughter and kosher supervision operations. According to the report, the monthly net salaries for team leaders in these operations have reached as high as half a million shekels. This surge in costs coincides with a sharp rise in basic meat prices in Israel over the past year, with some cuts doubling in price.
While common explanations for the price hikes cite increased raw material costs, transportation expenses, and the impact of ongoing conflicts, the "Mishpacha" investigation points to the escalating costs of kosher supervision for imported meat as a contributing factor. The report indicates a dramatic increase in payments to overseas slaughter and supervision staff within the last two and a half years. Salaries for slaughterers have reportedly risen from 40,000-45,000 shekels per month to 70,000-100,000 shekels. Kosher inspectors' salaries have jumped from approximately 60,000 shekels to around 250,000 shekels, and team leaders' monthly net earnings have climbed from 60,000-80,000 shekels to between 350,000 and 500,000 shekels.
The investigation emphasized that these figures are not fixed and can vary, but they clearly illustrate a rising cost trend in the industry. These increased expenses are being passed on to Israeli consumers, who are facing substantial price increases for meat. For example, the price of a kilogram of entrecote has risen from about 120 shekels last year to over 190 shekels currently, a jump of approximately 58%. Beef ribs have increased from 45 to 65 shekels per kilogram, and beef brisket has doubled from 25 to 50 shekels per kilogram. Even ground beef, once a relatively inexpensive staple for many families, has more than doubled in price from about 30 shekels to over 60 shekels per kilogram.
In parallel, the U.S. Department of Justice has expanded its antitrust investigation into meat prices to include major retailers like Walmart and Costco, citing concerns about market concentration and anti-competitive practices. In Israel, the discussion encompasses the entire supply chain, from importers and regulatory demands to kosher certification costs and retail markups. Industry sources suggest that streamlining approval processes, increasing competition among slaughter teams, and removing import barriers could help lower consumer prices without compromising religious requirements.
