Rami Levy to Testify in Victory CEO Eyal Ravid Price-Fixing Trial

Rami Levy, owner of the Rami Levy Shivuk Hashikma supermarket chain, is set to testify at the Lod District Court in the price-fixing trial of Eyal Ravid, head of competing chain Victory. Levy, who was previously investigated under caution by the Israel Competition Authority before the case against him was closed, was summoned by the prosecution to testify regarding market dynamics.

Core Allegations and Evidence

The indictment against Ravid, filed a year and a half ago, centers on public statements and private communications allegedly designed to signal competitors to raise prices. According to wiretaps presented by the prosecution, Ravid referred to Levy as the "terrorist from Modi'in" during discussions with suppliers over price hikes in October 2021. The prosecution maintains that Ravid conditioned his own price increases on whether rival chains, including Rami Levy and Yochananof, would follow suit.

Alongside Ravid, other retail figures were indicted, including Yochananof owner Eitan Yochananof, Yochananof Deputy CEO Elad Charazi, and Super Bareket CEO Ephraim Teshuva. Ravid faces unprecedented charges under the Food Law for allegedly interfering with consumer prices through third-party suppliers.

Defense Position and Next Steps

All defendants deny the allegations. Attorneys Nati Simchoni and Assaf Shubinsky, representing Ravid and Victory, stated that they look forward to the truth emerging in court. Rami Levy expressed puzzlement over his summons, stating he has no connection to the matter. The trial continues as the court examines retail industry practices and supplier relations.