Israelis Face Wide Price Gaps for Popular Winter Treat Krembo
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Israelis are encountering significant price variations for krembos, a popular winter treat, with some eight-packs costing nearly double others for the same weight. A recent price check showed an eight-pack of Strauss vanilla krembos at 20.90 shekels, while an Artic eight-pack was 10.90 shekels, despite both weighing 200 grams. This comes after a 9% price hike by Strauss last year due to rising costs. Consumers are urged to compare unit count, weight, and price per 100 grams to ensure the best value.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Krembo prices in Israel show significant variation, with some eight-packs costing up to 10 shekels more than others for the same weight.
- An eight-pack of Strauss vanilla krembos (200g) averaged 20.90 shekels, while an Artic eight-pack (200g) averaged 10.90 shekels.
- A six-pack of Feldman krembos (144g) costs more per unit (2.48 shekels) than a six-pack of Rio krembos (240g) at 1.99 shekels per unit.
- Strauss increased its krembo prices by 9% last December due to rising production and logistics costs.
- Israelis are among the world's highest consumers of krembos, with one factory producing about 50 million units annually.
- Consumers are advised to check unit count, weight, and price per 100 grams to avoid overpaying.
As the krembo season is in full swing, Israelis, who are among the world's top consumers of the marshmallow-and-biscuit treat, are facing significant price discrepancies. Despite a general increase in cost over the years, krembos remain a winter staple. The treat, which originated in Europe, has been a part of Israeli culture since before the state's establishment, with early advertising appearing in 1962.
Currently, major brands like Strauss, Feldman, Rio, and Artic (from Colorado) compete on store shelves. While all offer a similar composition of whipped topping on a biscuit base, the packaging and pricing vary considerably. A recent price check in early November revealed that an average eight-pack of Strauss vanilla krembos, weighing 200 grams, cost approximately 20.90 shekels. In contrast, an eight-pack of Artic krembos, also 200 grams, was priced at 10.90 shekels, and a six-pack of Rio krembos (240 grams) was 15.90 shekels.
Further analysis shows that a six-pack of Feldman vanilla krembos, weighing 144 grams, cost 14.90 shekels. This makes the price per krembo about 2.48 shekels, higher than Rio's approximately 1.99 shekels per unit, despite the Feldman package appearing cheaper at first glance. These figures represent average prices without promotions and can vary between stores.
Last December, Strauss increased its krembo prices by 9%, citing rising production and logistics costs. The high consumption rate explains the public's interest in price changes; one factory alone produced around 50 million krembos in 2023, with total sales across Israel estimated at 70 million units in 2010.
Beyond the traditional vanilla and mocha flavors, limited editions like salted caramel and strawberry-banana are available. Consumers are advised to carefully check the number of units, total weight, and price per 100 grams before purchasing, as a seemingly cheaper package might contain fewer items or a higher per-unit cost, with price differences of up to ten shekels between comparable packs.