Israel Braces for Potential Shortages of Fresh Foods Amid Holiday Week
Israel is anticipating potential shortages of certain food products in supermarkets this week due to a shortened work schedule coinciding with the Jewish holidays of Yom Kippur and Sukkot. Industries reliant on continuous production, slaughter, and supply, particularly those dealing with fresh items with short shelf lives, may experience localized stockouts.
According to reports, products at risk include fresh milk and dairy items like cottage cheese and cheeses, as well as eggs and fresh chicken. This is attributed to reduced production days, with some slaughterhouses and butchers not operating during the holiday period. However, retail chains emphasize that widespread shortages across all food categories are not expected.
Rami Levy stated he does not foresee significant shortages, and any that occur are likely to be temporary, lasting only a few hours, primarily concerning poultry. He noted the period sees exceptionally high demand due to holiday shopping, with replenishment expected soon after.
Oren Sapir, CEO of Sapir Group, highlighted that fresh dairy products are especially vulnerable due to their short shelf life and limited production days. Eggs and fresh chicken are also identified as potentially less available. Sapir explained the challenge stems not only from the holiday duration but also from reduced operations at some slaughterhouses and among butchers during the intermediate days of Sukkot (Chol HaMoed).
In the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) sector, availability of fruits and vegetables might be further impacted, especially in stores with strict kashrut (dietary law) supervision. Sapir mentioned that reliance on weekend suppliers diminishes during this time, potentially complicating supply chains. Some impact is also anticipated for dry goods as many companies offer "bridge" days off to employees.
Yossi Schwartz, CEO of City Market, indicated his chain prepared by stocking up based on expected holiday capacity. He noted that major companies like Tnuva, Strauss, and Osem continue production during Chol HaMoed, except on holiday eves, ensuring chilled products remain available. However, localized shortages of white cheese, cottage cheese, and some protein yogurts have already been observed, with demand for cottage cheese reportedly rising significantly. Post-Yom Kippur, temporary difficulties are also expected with bread and baked goods, as bakeries may struggle to meet demand immediately after the fast, with full supply anticipated by the afternoon.
