Swiss Cottage Cheese Imported to Israel Amid Severe Local Shortages
A severe cottage cheese shortage in Israel has prompted Euro Cheese to import non-kosher cottage cheese from Switzerland for ₪8 to ₪9 per cup, bypassing local supply chain failures.
The cottage cheese crisis in Israel refuses to subside as shelves remain empty in major supermarkets. Local dairies blamed the holiday schedule for the shortages, but empty dairy fridges persist weeks later, prompting unprecedented import measures.
Swiss Cottage Cheese Arrives in Israel
To combat the chronic deficit, Euro Cheese has taken the unprecedented step of importing cottage cheese directly from Switzerland's Züger. Guillaume Schenk, professional manager at Euro Cheese, noted that while standard Israeli cottage cheese expires in about two weeks, the Swiss product boasts a three-month shelf life, making international transport viable.
"Given the severe shortage of cottage cheese, when the supplier offered us this product, we jumped at the idea," Schenk said.
Currently, the imported Swiss cottage cheese lacks kosher certification and is sold in non-kosher retail chains such as Tiv Taam, Keshet Teamim, and independent delis. However, the company is considering introducing a kosher production line if high demand continues.
Prices and Market Impact
Despite traveling thousands of kilometers, the price gap remains relatively narrow. While local cottage cheese typically costs between ₪6.50 and ₪7.90 per cup, the Swiss alternative retails at ₪8 to ₪9.
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Local Price Range: ₪6.50 - ₪7.90 per cup
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Swiss Price Range: ₪8.00 - ₪9.00 per cup
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Shelf Life Advantage: 3 months compared to 2 weeks for local products
Euro Cheese, acquired in June alongside Eurostandard by Sugat for approximately ₪140 million, aims to bridge the gap left by local manufacturers. At the height of the crisis, logistical failures at "Tnuva" caused severe shortages, driving private sellers to list single cups of cottage cheese online for up to ₪50.
