Swiss Cottage Cheese Imported to Israel Amid Severe Shortage
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
Israel is facing a severe shortage of cottage cheese and white cheese, with local production unable to meet demand. The company Euro Cheese has begun importing cottage cheese from Switzerland, marking the first such import into Israel. The Swiss product has a longer shelf life and a slightly higher price point than local options. This move aims to alleviate the shortage and potentially encourage local producers to increase their output.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israel is experiencing a severe shortage of cottage cheese and white cheese, leading to meager supplies in supermarkets.
- Euro Cheese has begun importing cottage cheese from Switzerland to address the domestic scarcity.
- The imported Swiss cottage cheese has a three-month shelf life, significantly longer than local products.
- The non-kosher Swiss cottage cheese is currently sold in select specialty stores.
- The price of imported cottage cheese is slightly higher than local brands, ranging from 8 to 9 shekels.
Israel is experiencing a significant shortage of cottage cheese and white cheese, with local manufacturers supplying only meager quantities to supermarkets. Producers attribute the scarcity to reduced working days during the recent consecutive holidays, which halted production lines. However, the supply gap was expected to close a week ago, and the situation has not improved.
In response to the persistent shortage and high demand, the company Euro Cheese has begun importing cottage cheese from Switzerland for the first time in Israel's food market history. Euro Cheese, established in 2010 and specializing in importing and distributing cheeses and dairy products globally, supplies various retail chains and establishments. In June, the Sugat company acquired a controlling stake in Euro Cheese and its sister company, Eurostandard, for approximately 140 million shekels.
Guillaume Chenez, Professional Manager at Euro Cheese, stated that the company seized the opportunity to import the Swiss product due to the severe local shortage. He noted that the Swiss cottage cheese has a shelf life of three months, making it viable for import, unlike local products with a two-week shelf life. Currently, the non-kosher imported cottage cheese is sold in select stores like Tiv Taam, Keshset Taamim, and non-kosher delicatessens. Chenez indicated that if demand is sufficient, they might consider kosherizing production lines for future imports.
The price difference between local and imported cottage cheese is minimal. While Israeli cottage cheese costs between 6.50 and 7.90 shekels per tub, the Swiss version sells for 8 to 9 shekels. The imported product offers a significant advantage with its extended shelf life. The hope is that this import will incentivize local dairy producers to increase production and restock the popular cheeses on store shelves.
