Israel's "Basket" Reform Ends, Rami Levy Emerges Cheapest
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Following the conclusion of Israel's "Basket" reform, a new price comparison shows Rami Levy as the cheapest supermarket chain, while Carrefour has become the most expensive. The reform aimed to lower grocery prices by having Carrefour offer 100 specific products at reduced rates for six months. Now that the initiative has ended, consumers are urged to compare prices as some items have seen significant price increases.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rami Levy is now the cheapest supermarket chain in Israel after the "Basket" reform ended.
- Carrefour, previously part of the discount initiative, is now the most expensive chain.
- The "Basket of Israel" reform, designed to lower prices, concluded after six months.
- Some products, like instant coffee and grape juice, have seen significant price hikes.
- Consumers are advised to compare prices across chains following the reform's end.
A government initiative aimed at lowering grocery prices in Israel has concluded after six months, with the Carrefour chain no longer obligated to offer 100 specific products at reduced prices. A new price comparison conducted by the website "Pricez" reveals that Rami Levy is now the cheapest supermarket chain for this basket of goods, while Carrefour, previously associated with the discounted prices, has become the most expensive.
The comparison analyzed 100 products originally included in the Ministry of Economy's "Basket of Israel" reform. Rami Levy's basket totaled 1,227.25 shekels, whereas Carrefour Market's identical basket cost 1,394.70 shekels, a difference of approximately 13.6%.
The findings are particularly notable as Carrefour, which was central to the reform's discounted pricing, now ranks last in affordability. Some products have returned to their regular prices, with significant increases observed. For instance, a 200-gram package of Taster's Choice freeze-dried instant coffee rose from 25.90 shekels to 35.90 shekels, a 38.6% increase. Similarly, a liter of Tishbi red grape juice increased from 11.90 shekels to 19.90 shekels, a 67.2% jump.
The end of the "Basket of Israel" reform raises questions about the lasting impact of targeted government measures on consumer prices. While the reform aimed to boost competition and lower costs, consumers are now advised to compare prices across different chains rather than relying on specific store promotions that are no longer in effect. The analysis highlights significant price disparities for identical products, underscoring the need for consumers to check current prices and overall basket costs before shopping.
