Full Breakdown
Rosh Hashanah Holiday Prices Surge as Supermarket Competition Weakens
9/9/2026, 7:41:31 PM
Core Event: Holiday Shopping Slows and Prices Jump
Two days before Rosh Hashanah, supermarket traffic was noticeably lower than in previous years, with many shoppers traveling abroad. Retailers responded by scaling back deep discount promotions, aiming to protect profit margins amid the softer demand.
Data & Statistics: Sharp Increases on Key Items
A price comparison by the Institute for Retail Research examined 52 products across eight chains. Fruit and vegetable prices rose on average 7.3 % versus last year, driven by steep hikes in several core holiday items: avocados +44.3 %, dry onions +39.3 %, Yakhin sweet-corn kernels +21.8 %, fresh chicken liver +21.3 %, and packaged carrots +19.6 %. Other notable rises included nectarines +17.2 %, white potatoes +16.5 %, Carmel Private Collection Cabernet Sauvignon +16.4 %, and peaches +15.5 %. Wine overall increased 6.3 % and fresh chicken 4.4 %.
Price gaps between chains were pronounced. Whole fresh chicken sold for NIS 27.54 kg?¹ at one chain versus an average of NIS 19.6 kg?¹ elsewhere (?40 % higher). Wings were NIS 13.21 kg?¹ compared with an average of NIS 9.5 kg?¹ (?39 % higher). Fresh chicken schnitzel ranged from NIS 50.52 kg?¹ to NIS 59.40 kg?¹, while the sector average was NIS 42.5 kg?¹. A 750-gram Osem ketchup bottle cost NIS 10.53 at one chain versus an average of NIS 8.4 (?25 % higher).
Official Statements & Responses
Dr. Hezi Gur Mizrahi, founder and CEO of the Institute for Retail Research, noted that while competition remains, its intensity has weakened. He explained that reduced customer traffic erodes turnover, prompting chains to limit discount depth and focus on margin preservation, which ultimately raises register prices for consumers.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Competition in the sector has not disappeared, but it has certainly weakened,” — Dr. Hezi Gur Mizrahi, founder and CEO of the Institute for Retail Research
Why It Matters
Higher prices on staple holiday foods and beverages directly affect household budgets during a culturally significant celebration. The widening price gaps among chains may also influence shopper loyalty and could prompt regulatory scrutiny of pricing practices in the lead-up to future festive periods.
