Shufersal Begins Direct Meat Imports from South America to Reduce Supplier Dependence

Shufersal, Israel's leading supermarket chain, will start importing chilled meat directly from South America to sell in its stores. This move is part of a strategic plan by the controlling Amir brothers, Yossi and Shlomi, who hold 24.9% of Shufersal's shares, aimed at strengthening the company's control over its supply chain and reducing reliance on external meat suppliers.

The primary company affected by this decision is Baladi Meat, controlled by Erez Dehabni, who owns 78.12% of its shares. Baladi reported in its 2025 financial summary that sales to Shufersal, a major client, accounted for 12% of its total revenue, up from 9% in 2024 and just 2% in 2023 before the Amir brothers acquired control of Shufersal. Following the announcement, Baladi's stock price dropped by over 10%.

Another impacted supplier is Neto Melinda, owned by Neto Holdings, which is controlled by Adi Ezra (23.38%) and David Matsa (22.72%). Neto was Shufersal's main meat supplier for over a decade but lost that position to Baladi after the Amir brothers took over. Neto has since expanded its customer base and increased sales, continuing to supply Shufersal with frozen processed meat products.

Shufersal's initiative also includes replacing its private label "Shufersal" brand with various other brand names to obscure the connection to the supermarket chain, encouraging consumers to buy these products more readily. The new South American meat cuts are expected to arrive in Shufersal stores in the coming weeks.