Aroma Espresso Bar Sues Supplier for 3.8M NIS Over Defective Pastries
Aroma Espresso Bar has filed a 3.8 million NIS lawsuit against baking supplier Sharon-Puratos after defective additives caused a foul odor in its flagship croissants.
Aroma Espresso Bar, one of Israel’s largest cafe chains, has filed a 3.8 million NIS lawsuit against its raw material supplier, Sharon-Puratos, following a massive defect in its pastry products.
The Spoiled Pastry Crisis
According to the lawsuit filed in the Jerusalem District Court, the Belgian-affiliated baking supplier provided defective additives known as "Kimo" and "Aroma Croissant," which are designed to maintain the quality of frozen dough. In May 2023, the supplier abruptly notified Aroma of an adverse reaction occurring when the additive was combined with dairy doughs, prompting an immediate halt in distribution.
"The defective additives caused a foul, foul-smelling odor in three of the chain's most prominent flagship products: chocolate croissants, butter croissants, and cinnamon danishes," the legal complaint states.
Destruction of Goods and Financial Damages
Because distinguishing between affected and safe baked goods proved impossible, Aroma was forced to destroy all pastry production manufactured between May 11 and May 24, 2023. The lawsuit details precise financial losses:
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2.95 million NIS in estimated value of destroyed and damaged products.
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161,000 NIS in unfulfilled orders placed by franchise owners nationwide.
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24,000 NIS in direct transportation and destruction expenses.
Furthermore, the chain claims significant losses from diminished revenues, drops in expected profits, and severe reputational damage. Sharon-Puratos has yet to submit a statement of defense.
