Holiday Shortages Loom for Fresh Dairy, Eggs, and Poultry in Israeli Retail Chains
A shortened workweek ahead of Yom Kippur and Sukkot threatens temporary localized shortages of fresh dairy, eggs, and poultry in Israeli retail chains, prompting preemptive supply management.
The shortened workweek leading up to Yom Kippur and the preparations for Sukkot is expected to impact the availability of various food products in retail chains. Industries relying on continuous production, slaughter, and regular supply chains may experience localized shortages, primarily for fresh products with short shelf lives.
Potential Shortages in Fresh Produce and Dairy
According to a report in Israel Hayom, products at risk of shortage include milk, fresh dairy products like cottage cheese and standard cheeses, alongside eggs and fresh chicken. This stems from a reduction in working and production days, as some slaughterhouses and slaughterers do not operate during the holiday periods. Nonetheless, retail chains emphasize that no sweeping shortages are anticipated across all food categories.
"The difficulty stems not only from the number of holiday days, but also from the limited operations of some slaughterhouses and slaughterers during Chol HaMoed," noted Oren Sapir, owner and CEO of the Sapir Group.
Retailers Implement Preparatory Measures
Rami Levi stated that he does not anticipate significant shortages, noting that any potential gaps would likely be temporary, lasting only a few hours, particularly in the poultry sector. He explained that this is a period of exceptionally high demand due to shopping for Shabbat and the eve of Yom Kippur, followed by replenishment on Sunday.
In the Haredi sector, an additional impact may affect the availability of fruits and vegetables, particularly in chains operating under stringent kosher certifications. Sapir pointed out that during this period, reliance on produce from suppliers who worked over the weekend is diminished, making supply more complex.
Supply Chain Adjustments for Dry Goods and Bakery Items
Dry goods may also experience some impact as many companies grant employees bridge days. Yossi Schwartz, founder and CEO of City Market, stated that the chain prepared in advance with inventories tailored to the absorption and expected supply capacity during the holidays.
According to Schwartz, major companies including Tnuva, Strauss, and Osem continue operating during Chol HaMoed, excluding holiday eves, meaning chilled products will arrive during the holiday as well. However, intermittent shortages have already been registered for white cheese, cottage cheese, and certain protein yogurts, with cottage cheese demand surging by a double-digit percentage.
Bakery items will also face localized difficulties following Yom Kippur. Schwartz estimates that finding certain products on the morning after the fast will be challenging due to bakeries struggling to meet holiday demand, with full supply expected only by afternoon.
