Swiss Cottage Cheese Imported to Israel Amid Severe Shortage
Translated & summarized from Hamal by baba
Israel is importing cottage cheese from Switzerland for the first time due to a severe domestic shortage. Manufacturers cite holiday work reductions for the scarcity, but supply has not recovered. The imported Swiss product has a longer shelf life and a slightly higher price. The company Euro Cheese is currently selling the non-kosher version but may consider kosher production if demand is high.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israel is importing cottage cheese from Switzerland for the first time due to a severe domestic shortage.
- Manufacturers claim holiday work reductions caused the supply gap, but it has not yet been resolved.
- 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 stores, with potential for kosher production.
- The imported product costs 8-9 shekels, slightly more than the 6.50-7.90 shekel local cottage cheese.
Due to a significant shortage of cottage cheese and white cheese in Israel, the company Euro Cheese has begun importing cottage cheese from Switzerland for the first time. The scarcity has turned these dairy products into "boutique items," with limited quantities reaching supermarket shelves and consumers quickly buying up any available stock.
Manufacturers attribute the shortage to reduced working days during the recent consecutive holidays, which halted production lines. However, despite promises that the supply gap would be closed weeks ago, the situation has not improved. The high demand and empty shelves prompted Euro Cheese, established in 2010 and specializing in importing and distributing dairy products, to seek an international source.
Guillaume Shenaz, Euro Cheese's Professional Manager, stated that the company "jumped at the idea" when offered the Swiss product due to the severe domestic shortage. He noted that the product sells well in the Arab sector. A key advantage of the imported cottage cheese is its three-month shelf life, compared to the typical two weeks for local versions, which makes importing feasible.
Currently, the Swiss cottage cheese is sold in non-kosher establishments like Tiv Ta'am, Kashet Ta'am, and other delicatessens and convenience stores, as it is not kosher-certified. Euro Cheese is considering koshering production lines in the future if demand proves sufficient.
The price difference is minimal, with the imported cottage cheese selling for 8 to 9 shekels per container, compared to 6.50 to 7.90 shekels for the local product. The extended shelf life is seen as a significant benefit. The hope is that this import will encourage local dairy producers to increase production and restock the popular cheeses.
