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Matzah prices in Israel have increased by 3% to 7% for standard packages of 1 kilogram and 2.5 kilograms compared to last year, while specialty matzot have risen by as much as 36%. Consumer groups recommend paying no more than 29.90 shekels for a 2.5-kilogram package and 14.90 shekels for a 1-kilogram package.
The Economy Ministry has launched an inquiry into potential price regulation. On Tuesday, the ministry’s price supervisor, Dr. Yonatan Bezalel, requested financial documents from leading matzah manufacturers Matzot Yehuda and Matzot Rishon (which also markets the Matzot Jerusalem brand) to assess whether matzah should be subject to price controls.
"We are examining the impact of market concentration on prices and profitability," the ministry said, noting that the two companies control approximately 80% of the market. Bezalel requested details on production processes, market share, financial reports from 2022 to 2024, and operating costs, including raw materials and wages.
Despite rising costs, Passover matzah prices vary across major supermarket chains. According to the price comparison website Pricez, the price for a 2.5-kilogram package of Matzot Yehuda increased by 6% to 34.90 shekels at Victory and Carrefour supermarket chains, while Rami Levy and Yohananof raised the price by 3% to 33.90 shekels. Shufersal increased its price by 3% to 35.90 shekels.
A 2.5-kilogram package of Matzot Rishon remained unchanged at 29.90 shekels at Yohananof, Freshmarket and Hyper Carrefour but rose by nearly 7% to 31.90 shekels at Carrefour Market and Shufersal Deal. Prices also increased at Has Chessed and Rami Levy's neighborhood stores, while Carrefour City lowered the price by 3% to 33.90 shekels.
One-kilogram packages also became more expensive. At Yohananof and Hyper Carrefour, the price rose by 7.2% to 14.90 shekels. In other chains, increases ranged from 5.5% to 7.2%, though Shufersal maintained last year’s price of 13.90 shekels.
Specialty matzah experienced even sharper price hikes. Shufersal Deal increased the price of Matzot Rishon egg matzah (300 grams) by 7.2% to 14.90 shekels and whole wheat matzah (400 grams) by 36% to 18.90 shekels. Yohananof raised the price of several specialty items, including whole wheat matzah and chocolate-coated matzah, by 8.5%. Rami Levy increased the price of gluten-free potato matzah by 20% to 28.90 shekels.
While some specialty products saw modest price reductions, the overall trend reflects rising costs attributed to higher value-added tax (VAT) and increased flour prices.
The ministry highlighted that while kosher-for-Passover flour is already subject to price regulation, matzah is not. The estimated production cost for a 2.5-kilogram package is around 7.4 shekels, while consumer prices averaged 30 shekels to 33 shekels last year.
Economy and Industry Minister Nir Barkat said the government would act if excessive profits were found.
"Matzot are a basic necessity for Passover, and it is unacceptable that their prices place an additional burden on families," Barkat said. "If unjustified profit margins are identified, we will pursue price regulation. I also urge consumers to compare prices and make informed choices to promote competition."
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