Class action lawsuit request against Wolt: "Exorbitant prices, millions in damages"
A request to certify a class action lawsuit was filed this week against Wolt in the Haifa District Court, alleging the sale of price-controlled products at prices higher than the maximum set by the state. According to the request, the damage to the customer base is estimated at 2.5 million shekels, while Wolt claims that the businesses themselves set the product prices.
A request to certify a class action lawsuit was filed in the Haifa District Court against Wolt Enterprises Israel Ltd., alleging that food products under price control are sold through the platform at prices higher than the maximum permitted. The request was filed by Aharon Amarbi through attorneys Elran Shapira Bar-Or and Michael Adler, and the alleged damage to the consumer public was estimated at 2.5 million shekels.
As part of the request, several examples of price gaps were presented. Thus, it is alleged that a 2-liter bottle of 3% milk by Tara was sold for 17.1 shekels, compared to a controlled price of 14.7 shekels. It is further alleged that a pack of 30 eggs was sold at a grocery store in the Sharon region for 60 shekels, compared to a controlled price of about 35.6 shekels.
According to the plaintiff, Wolt is not just a platform connecting the consumer to the business, but is significantly involved in the sales process: the transaction is carried out through the application, and according to the claim, the company also issues invoices or receipts to customers and provides customer service. It is further alleged that the company collects commissions from businesses for transactions carried out through the platform, and that the commission rate may reach, as alleged in the request, up to 30%.
One of the central arguments in the request concerns Wolt Market, the company's chain of stores intended for delivery only. According to the request, in these stores, Wolt is careful not to sell price-controlled products above the maximum price and even notes this in the application. On this basis, the plaintiff argues that the company is aware of the obligations regarding controlled prices, and asks the court to compel it to monitor prices on the platform and compensate consumers who were, as alleged, charged beyond the permitted price.
Wolt responded:
"This is a frivolous lawsuit. The businesses active on the platform are the ones that determine the variety of products and their prices. Wolt operates in accordance with the law, and therefore the lawsuit should be dismissed outright."
