Major Price Gaps Found on Basic Goods Across Israeli Supermarket Chains
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
A new comparison of 40 basic products in Israeli supermarkets reveals significant price differences, with identical items costing up to double between retailers. The average price difference between the cheapest and most expensive chains is approximately 38%, with some products showing over 50% variation. While many promotions exist, they are often conditional and may not represent true savings. The report utilizes publicly filed prices and includes a tool for consumers to compare costs.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Identical products like Bamba snacks and Bissli Grill show price differences of nearly double across Israeli supermarket chains.
- The average price difference between the cheapest and most expensive chains for 40 basic products is approximately 38%.
- 12 out of 40 examined products had price discrepancies exceeding 50% between retailers.
- Many supermarket promotions are conditional, requiring membership, coupons, or minimum purchases, limiting their benefit.
- Prices can vary daily and by branch, with the final cost at checkout potentially differing from advertised rates.
- A consumer tool is available to compare prices for specific products and identify the cheapest branches in major cities.
A comparison of 40 basic products across Israeli supermarket chains reveals significant price disparities, with some identical items costing nearly double depending on the retailer. For instance, an 80-gram bag of Bamba snacks was found to cost 3.90 shekels at Osher Ad but 7.90 shekels at Super Yuda, based on average prices across branches. Similarly, Elite's baked Ftitim cost 4.90 shekels versus 10 shekels, Bissli Grill was 6.50 shekels compared to 12.90 shekels, and Wissotzky tea ranged from 6.90 shekels to 12.90 shekels.
The study, which included items from dairy and pantry staples to diapers and dish soap, analyzed prices reported by chains with at least three branches selling the product. These prices are sourced from mandatory public filings. On average, the most expensive chains charge about 38% more than the cheapest for the same product, with over 50% price differences for 12 of the 40 items examined.
The report highlights specific examples, such as a 750-gram bottle of Ossem ketchup costing 10.90 shekels at Victory and 18.40 shekels at City Tzafrir. In Tel Aviv, Bissli Grill was 6.50 shekels at Osher Ad and 12.90 shekels at Fresh Market, while Bamba was 3.90 shekels versus 7.90 shekels.
While around 1,800 promotions are currently active on these 40 products across the chains, many are conditional, requiring club membership, coupons, specific payment methods, bulk purchases, or minimum spending amounts. The average discount in these promotions is about 23%, but often these are not genuine product discounts. For example, a large advertised discount on Bamba at Shufersal was 2.70 shekels off a regular price of 5.90 shekels, but this offer was limited to specific branches and required a minimum purchase.
It's noted that prices can fluctuate daily and vary between branches, and the price at the checkout may differ from advertised prices. The report also mentions that lower prices in Israel can sometimes be attributed to Eilat branches, which are exempt from 18% VAT, leading the comparison to rely on average chain prices rather than the absolute lowest. A calculator is available to compare prices for specific products and find the cheapest branches in major cities.
