For those eagerly awaiting Krembo, a chocolate-coated marshmallow treat that is popular in Israel during the colder months, there may be a longer wait this year. The Strauss ice cream factory in Acre has temporarily halted operations due to the escalation in the north. Owned by Unilever, the factory was closed for a month following the assassination of Fuad Shukr. It resumed operations for three weeks but has now shut down again.
"They managed to replenish the shortages that had developed, but now they will not supply products," a source from one of the retail chains informed Ynet.
"Most sales points still have ice cream stock, but shortages have already appeared in some places and will get worse if the factory remains inactive. We have already passed the peak season, so we hope the impact will be less noticeable. Regarding Krembo, Feldman's Mambo is already available."
Another chain report that: "Krembo starts selling every year on October 1. This year, since it coincided with a holiday, sales will begin on October 6. We were told that production started two months ago and the stock is being kept in freezers, so no delays or shortages are expected, but there might be a delay if the factory stays closed and there is no one to dispatch Krembo from there."
In Acre, they also produce various types of ice cream-based treats, such as Cremissimo ice cream, Fantasia, Glidonet, and popsicles like Mastigam, Solero, Cornetto, Nanos, Eskimo, and Matara. Some brand products like Twister popsicles, Magnum Double Caramel Popcorn, Magnum Mango Coconut, and Mini Magnum Vanilla Cookies are manufactured in Turkey. Magnum Sandwich is made in Sweden, and Magnum ice cream in pint packages is produced in Hungary.
A month ago, the factory's operations were halted partly because it holds ammonia gas reserves crucial for its operations. Other factories using hazardous materials were also instructed to reduce or evacuate flammable gas reserves to prevent public risk if targeted by rocket fire from Lebanon.
The company stated then that ice cream cannot be produced without using ammonia, which is essential for cooling the production systems and freezers, hence Unilever decided to halt the factory's operations.
As early as October 2023, when Hezbollah joined the campaign following Hamas's surprise attack on October 7, factories like Off HaGalil minimized ammonia usage. This directive was given to all factories within 2.5 miles of the Lebanese border. Other factories, such as the Babysitter diaper manufacturing plant located in Kibbutz Amir, continue to operate normally as essential facilities.
Unilever stated in response: "Due to the security situation and guidelines from the Home Front Command, the Strauss ice cream factory in Acre has not been operating consistently recently. As a result, there may be shortages in some products, and we are making every effort to replenish them and continue supplying our beloved ice cream products throughout Israel. Regarding Krembo, the company stated that 'distribution is expected to commence as scheduled.'"