Yellow cheese on its way to a price cut? The move that could change the price

The Ministry of Economy is opening a procedure to allocate quotas for importing 5,900 tons of yellow cheese exempt from customs duty for 2027. About 4,070 tons will be allocated to importers who commit to the lowest consumer price. In previous procedures, imported cheese was sold at 2.90–3.50 NIS per 100 grams.

The Ministry of Economy is initiating a procedure to allocate quotas for importing 5,900 tons of yellow cheese exempt from customs duty for 2027. The goal is to introduce competitively priced imported cheeses into the market. Out of the total quota, approximately 4,070 tons will be allocated to importers who commit to offering the lowest price to consumers, both at deli counters and in packaged form on shelves. The remaining quantity will be granted as a bonus quota to winners, but will not require them to adhere to a maximum price. In similar past procedures, imported yellow cheese was sold at prices ranging from 2.90 to 3.40 NIS per 100 grams at deli counters, and 3 to 3.50 NIS per 100 grams in packages – tens of percent lower than leading brand prices. The quota committee decided to increase the bonus quota for 2027, giving importers greater pricing flexibility. However, the article notes that quota allocation does not guarantee a price reduction for all consumers, and actual prices will depend on the number of importers participating and the degree of competition among them.