Israel's Basket Initiative Ends at Carrefour After Six Months
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
The "Basket of Israel" grocery initiative, spearheaded by Minister of Economy Nir Barkat, ended its six-month run at Carrefour on Wednesday. Carrefour, the sole participant in the program, has decided not to continue it. The supermarket chain is now launching a new discount campaign with savings of 30% or more on select products.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- The "Basket of Israel" initiative at Carrefour has concluded after six months.
- Carrefour decided not to extend the program for an additional period.
- The initiative was launched by Minister of Economy Nir Barkat to lower grocery prices.
- Carrefour was the only supermarket chain to participate in the government tender.
- The chain is now introducing a new "Carrefour Special Deal" with discounts of 30% or more.
The "Basket of Israel" initiative, launched by Minister of Economy Nir Barkat to lower grocery prices, concluded its run at Carrefour on Wednesday, its final day after six months. Carrefour decided not to extend the program for another half-year.
The initiative aimed to encourage competition among food chains and reduce the cost of shopping baskets. The Ministry of Economy issued a tender for 100 products, inviting chains to offer the lowest prices, with the winner receiving NIS 50,000 annually for advertising. Carrefour was the only chain to participate in the tender and subsequently ran the program.
The decision to end the initiative comes amid changes within Carrefour, including the appointment of Inbal Harson as CEO, replacing Michael Luboshitz, who moved to an advisory role. The new management is reportedly pursuing a different business direction, with an eye toward a potential stock market listing.
While the "Basket of Israel" offered lower prices on its specific items, it did not consistently make Carrefour the cheapest option for larger shopping trips. Legal disputes also arose over claims that the basket was the cheapest in Israel, with some arguing the comparisons were not fully justified.
Carrefour is now launching a new national discount campaign called "Carrefour Special Deal," featuring discounts of 30% or more on various leading products. These offers will be updated twice monthly and available across all its branches and online. Consumers are advised to compare prices across different chains, even with discounts, to ensure the best overall value for their weekly shopping.
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Right 1Other 1
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
