Castro-Hodis Invests $8.5 Million to Launch Chinese Sports Brand ANTA in Israel by 2027

Castro-Hodis Group announced a major investment to introduce the Chinese sports brand ANTA to the Israeli market for the first time. The company signed a five-year distribution agreement with ANTA, planning to establish a dedicated retail chain, launch an online store, and engage in wholesale sales. The total investment is estimated at approximately 30 million shekels (around $8.5 million), with operations expected to begin in 2027.

ANTA is one of the world's largest sports companies and a dominant player in China, operating over 10,000 stores domestically and hundreds more worldwide. In 2025, ANTA's revenues reached about $11.6 billion. The company also controls Amer Sports, which owns international brands such as Arc'teryx, Salomon, Wilson, and Peak Performance, and is the largest shareholder in the German sports brand Puma.

Castro-Hodis is currently exploring partnerships with external investors who could hold up to 49% of the subsidiary managing ANTA's Israeli operations. They are also considering acquiring leases of existing stores and integrating infrastructure and staff to build the retail network.

This move aligns with the growing trend of fashion retailers expanding into the sportswear sector in Israel and is expected to intensify competition among established international brands. For Israeli consumers, ANTA's entry offers a new global sports brand alternative in a market currently dominated by well-known players.